Playing Cards from South East Asia

Playing cards, introduced by the Chinese and quickly adopted in Southeast Asia, became pivotal in regional gambling practices, transforming into a primary entertainment form by the 15th century. Over the past 100 years, various producers, artists, and manufacturers from Southeast Asia have continued this tradition, creating card packs that reflect a diverse mix of design and cultural influences.
Brunei • Cambodia • East Timor • Indonesia • Laos • Malaysia • Myanmar (Burma) • Philippines • Singapore • Thailand • Vietnam
REFERENCES:
- Reid, Anhtony: Southeast Asia in the Age of Commerce 1450-1680, Yale University Press, 1988


Mahjongg
Mahjongg is usually played with tiles, which are Chinese playing cards made in solid form...

Malaya 1941-1942: King George VI currency notes
Playing cards featuring King George VI Currency Notes, Malaya 1941-1942.


Malaysia Scenery
Souvenir playing cards from Malaysia featuring 56 colour photographs of scenery, wildlife, local people and Malaysian fruits with inscriptions in English describing each scene.

Malaysia Truly Asia
Souvenir playing cards from Malaysia featuring 56 colour photographs of skyscrapers, wildlife, local people and Malaysian fruits with inscriptions in English describing each scene.

Mantecore Playing Cards
Mantecore playing cards, named as a tribute to magicians Siegfried and Roy's famous tiger, 2015.

Marionnettes Wayang
Striking Wayang puppet designs conceived by Youdi des Aubrys from Indonesia, 1985.


Penang Souvenir
Souvenir of Penang with a different photograph on every card, manufactured by Yong Guan Heng & Co, Penang, Malaysia.





Royal Pulp Playing Cards
Two beautifully crafted custom playing cards decks. Featuring brightly colored illustrations and gorgeous typography.

Secret Magic Cards
‘Secret Magic Cards’ published by Hanky Panky Toys Thailand Ltd., © World Magic International, 2006.

SilkAir
SilkAir was a Singaporean regional airline and a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines.



Souvenir of Singapore, Malaya and Borneo
52 different colour pictures of Singapore, Malaya and Borneo from the early 1960s.