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16th Century playing cards found in old book

16th Century playing cards found in old book

Hello,


Please find enclosed scan of three old playing cards I recently found in an old book. I believe they may be 16th century and of historic importance. They measure 8 x 12 cm approx. They are printed via the woodblock method and hand coloured. They are not printed on card or paper but some kind of stiff fabric, silk or something similar. They are incredibly delicate.


Many thanks

Hugh Morris

1 comments

Simon Wintle's Avatar'

Hello Hugh,

thanks for your message regarding the three old playing cards.

The designs appear to be taken from Bavarian-type Tarock cards, c.1780-1800.and re-drawn onto the silk material. We don't know what their purpose was..

Hope this helps.

Regards
Simon


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