Luditz Pattern by Counter Clockwise

In 2024, Counter Clockwise expanded its product line to include a deck of cards for playing “Prší” or “Mariáš”, which are still widely played in the Czech Republic. Among standard decks, the “Prague” design (more common in the western part of the country—Czechia) and the “William Tell” design (more common in the eastern part of the country—Moravia) are commonly used. These decks usually contain 32 cards (ranks 7–10 + Unter, Ober, King, and Ace) with German suits (acorns, hearts, leaves and bells).

For this deck, Counter Clockwise turned to history and attempted to bring the historic Luditz Pattern back into play. Like the Prague cards, it also features a single-headed design. The original woodcut prints, even with their imperfect graphic design, possess an antique charm while also evoking a childlike impression. The distinctive color scheme of the original design was reconstructed. While redrawing the cards, corrections were made to the historical design. The most glaring anatomical inaccuracies in the original court cards were corrected, and minor changes were made to the basic motifs of the pip cards. Some figures were mirrored so that the card suits would always align in the left corner. The modifications are most evident when compared to Georg Geiselreiter’s historical deck►

Such decks are common in neighboring Austria. That is also where the “WELI” inscription on the six of bells originates. The ribbon with the “Žlutice Cards” motto on the 6 acorns is taken from a related pattern known as the “Egger pattern,” based on a design by Gabriel Hoene.

The rake motif on the 6 leaves refers to the heraldic coat of arms of the town of Žlutice, formerly the German town of Luditz, which gave this card pattern its name. This is a subtle tribute to the beautiful landscape. The territory of the former Sudetenland experienced a massive expulsion of its population after World War II, the consequences of which are still evident even 80 years later. Just as the card depicts dead wood with green leaves, this region also offers magical natural scenery with the melancholy of an abandoned historic land.