Editors' Picks Feature Articles
Playing cards have enormous educational value, with a long history and many diverse types and graphical styles from around the world.
2000 Pips Transformation
Peter Wood’s “2000Pips” transformed playing cards reveal the artist’s love of nature.
59: Owen Jones (1809-74) and De La Rue
A selection of examples of Owen Jones's work printed by De La Rue.
61: French regional patterns: the kings
On page 11 I illustrated several examples of the regional French patterns from Sylvia Mann's collection; this is a more in-depth look at the figures of these patterns ("portraits" in French).
Adolfo Matarelli Transformation
Matarelli was a well known caricaturist who first illustrated Carlo Collodi's famous Pinocchio story. He was also a collaborator in the satirical magazine “Il Lampione”, founded by Collodi.
Angus
Naipes "ANGUS" designed by Gustavo A. Pueyrredón, depicting Aberdeen Angus livestock on the courts and jokers dressed as Gauchos.
Aparcero
Naipes Argentinos 'La Partida' y 'Aparcero' published by Obsequios Empresarios Argentinos, Santa Fe.
Aquae Sulis
‘Aquae Sulis’ is Georgina Harvey's second design, in which the double-ended courts are reminiscent of classical gods & goddesses.
Art for the Earth
“Art for the Earth” Transformation Deck published by Andrew Jones Art for Friends of the Earth, c.1990.
Banco for Air France, c.1952
Banco playing cards for Air France manufactured by Draeger Frères, c.1952.
Baraja Andaluza
Non-standard Spanish-suited playing cards created by Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez and published by Ediciones Baja Andalucia, Sevilla, c.1980.
Baraja Carlos IV by Félix Solesio, 1800
Baraja Carlos IV, Félix Solesio en la Real Fábrica de Macharaviaya, 1800.
Baraja Cuauhtémoc
Baraja Cuauhtémoc published by Treviño Narro, Monterrey, Mexico Original artwork by P. X. Santaella featuring Aztec and other important pre-Columbian cultures.
Baraja Hispanoamericana
“Baraja Hispanoamericana” published by Asescoin, with artwork by Ortuño, illustrates memorable people from the discovery, colonisation and subsequent liberation of Hispanic America
Baraja Mitológica
“Baraja Mitológica” was first published in Madrid in c.1815 by Josef Monjardín from engravings by José Martínez de Castro.
Baraja PEPLVM
Baraja PEPLVM features cartoons by Ortuño of famous actors and actresses in roles from epic Roman movies.
Baraja Taurina by Simeon Durá, c.1916
Baraja Taurina manufactured by Simeon Durá (Valencia) for Chocolate Angelical, first published in 1916.
Baronesse Whist No.160
After the Second World War, the deck continued to be produced both by the VEB Altenburger Spielkartenfabrik as “Rokoko” and by ASS-Spielkartenfabrik, Leinfelden-Echterdingen as “Baronesse”.
Beautiful Britain Series
The ‘Beautiful Britain’ series depicting seaside and country resorts was produced by John Waddington Ltd for the Great Western Railway and London and North Eastern Railway between 1924-1939.
Bicycle Playing Cards, 1st edition
1st edition of famous Bicycle Playing Cards printed by Russell & Morgan Printing Co., Cincinnati, 1885.
Birma Karte
Based upon older ‘standard’ patterns, the Kings and Queens are three-quarter length figures whilst the Jacks are full-length with legs giving the impression that they are walking about!
Blue Playing Cards
“Blue Playing Cards” by Piatnik, 1960s, inspired by the Cubism art movement in which objects are analysed and reassembled in abstracted form
Card Games
Children's games are distinct from ordinary playing cards, with their most obvious difference being the lack of any court cards or suit marks.
Carte per Signora
“Carte per Signora” patience pack was produced by Fratelli Armanino, Genova, in c.1897.
Cartomancy and Divination Cards
Playing cards are used for fortune-telling, predicting the future or even as a psychological adjunct to folk medicine and therapy.
Cashmere
Bernhard Altmann is from the “The House of Cashmere” and these playing cards honour their best known commodity: the fleece of the graceful horned Cashmere goat.
Cassandre for Hermès
Promotional playing cards created by A. M. Cassandre (pseudonym of Adolphe Jean-Marie Mouron, 1901-1968) with abstract, almost surrealist figures and ornamentation, but clearly inspired by medieval art and rendered into an Art Deco style.
Charles Cheminade Tarot
Marseille Tarot cards by Charles Cheminade of Grenoble, France, early 18th century.
Chinese Dragon Robes
Deck featuring 54 different images of Chinese Dragon Robes that emperors, empresses and royal family members wear on important occasions.
Chinese Roles of Beijing Opera
A very impressive deck of cards featuring 54 different images from “Chinese Roles of Beijing Opera” published by HCG Poker Productions, 2005
Circus No.47
“Circus No.47”, first issued in 1896. The staid old Kings, Queens and Jacks have given way to various well-known ring masters, clowns and queens; dashing circus designs. Indeed, the clown Jacks are only a short step away from Jokers!
Columbian Exposition Souvenir
Columbian Exposition Souvenir playing cards, G.W. Clark, Chicago, 1893.
Cosi Fan Tutte
Cosi Fan Tutte was published in 1994 and is based on Mozart's opera. The pips (heart-shaped locket, magnet, marriage contract and poison bottle) are key objects in the development of the operatic plot.
DC Comic Bombshells
Stylish playing cards featuring the glamorous, superpowered female stars of the alternate reality world of DC Comics, published by 'Forbidden Planet', 2015
De La Rue
De La Rue introduced letter-press printing into playing card production and his patent was granted in 1831. He produced his first playing cards in 1832.
Delightful Cards, c.1723
Delightful Cards, containing variety of entertainment for young Ladies and Gentlemen c.1723.
Delta Playing Cards
Delta playing cards are a modern art concept deck invented by Professor M. R. Ali, an artist operating under the company name of “Artology International”.
Descubridores y Colonizadores de America
“Baraja Histórica” (Descubridores y Colonizadores de America) manufactured by Heraclio Fournier S.A., 1952 designed by Ricardo Summers “Serny”
Don Quijote IV Centenario
Baraja IV Centenario Don Quijote is the work of artist Vicente Arnás, published by Asescoin, Madrid, 2004.
Dondorf
The luxury playing card factory founded in Frankfurt am Main by Bernhard Dondorf in 1833 existed for 100 years.
Éditions Philibert
Éditions Philibert published an outstanding series of exotic, artistic playing cards in Paris from 1954 to 1960
Egbert Moehsnang
The suit signs and indices are clear and easily recognisable, and each suit has a different predominant colour. The juxtaposition of traditional craft techniques with abstract modern design could be seen as postmodern.
Eglantine Table
The Eglantine Table, Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire, elaborately inlaid with marquetry depicting musical instruments, playing-cards, games and heraldic references.
El Cid 9th centenary
Playing cards commemorating the IX centenary of the death of ‘El Cid’ designed by Vicente S. Algora.
El Rodeo Talabartería
Promotional playing cards produced for ‘El Rodeo Talabartería’ specialising in leather goods and clothing, Buenos Aires, c.2006.
Empire No.170
The Queens, who wear short sleeved dresses with bonnets adorned with chin straps and roses, hold a rose, a fan, a bird or a letter.
EPCS Transformation
The English Playing Card Society's 10th Anniversary Transformation Playing Cards designed and produced by Karl Gerich, 1993.
Fabrica de Cigarrillos Roldan y Cia, Lima, Peru
The design of the figures is very agile with excellent colour harmony and execution.
Filmstars by Publistar, 1962
“Filmstars” deck published by Publistar, printed by La Ducale (France), 1962.
Flemish Hunting Deck
Set of medieval playing cards with King, Queen, Knave and numeral cards from one to ten in each of four suits which refer to the activity of hunting, as practiced by the nobility.
Forrest Cards, c.1750s
Hand-coloured Forrest Cards produced for “Young Gentlemen & Ladys who are Lovers of Ingenuity”, c.1750s.
Fournier “El Fundador”
The cards shown here were originally printed in 12-colour lithography and published by Heraclio Fournier in 1889.
Game of Nations
The “Game of Nations” depicting caricatures of traditional costumes manufactured by McLoughlin Brothers, USA 1890s.
Gedimino Stulpai
Gedimino Stulpai playing cards made in Lithuania by Spindulys Printing Co., Kaunas, depicting Lithuanian national symbolism.
Georg Kapfler
Antique deck of old Bohemian playing cards of the German type manufactured by Georg Kapfler and dated 1611.
Gipsy Fortune Telling Cards
“Gipsy” fortune-telling cards with original artwork by Hylton Cock, published by Thomas de la Rue & Co Ltd., c.1910.
Goodall’s “Historic” Playing Cards
Goodall’s “Historic” Playing Cards depict royal costumes of four periods in English history, 1893.
Gothic Spanish-suited cards
These cards may be a typical example of early 'standard' Spanish playing cards, maybe from before Columbus sailed for the 'New World' which were imitated by German engravers who wished to export their wares back to Spain.
Graciela Rodo Boulanger
Boulanger's paintings and graphic art works are easily recognized. The Latin American influence is an integral part of her work. The use of light and contrasting colours are reminiscent of her years spent in La Paz, memories of her native country.
Grolsch Brewery
A somewhat unusual deck specially designed for Grolsch Breweries evoking self-expression and independence of spirit, c.2012
Hand-Painted Transformation, c.1800-20
An early 19th century set of hand-painted transformation playing cards depicting contemporary scenes from Georgian society
Happy Families
Happy Families is probably one of the most popular card games ever invented, with educational benefits relating to sorting and matching of sets, as well as early literacy and elementary genealogy, flowers or bird identification, etc.
Hard-a-Port
Tobacco insert cards were a very successful marketing innovation which started in the nineteenth century.
Hermits
Playing cards depicting imagined residents of St. Petersburg with illustrations by Alexei Bobrinsky.
Hewson Replica Pack
Hand-made replica 17th century English playing cards, based on museum originals.
Hodges’ Constellations
Hodges’ pack dealing with astronomy had numeral cards carrying diagrams of constellations and their pictorial representations.
Holmblad Animal Tarot
Instead of the old emblematic designs, the trump cards show illustrations of animals, which could possibly have symbolic meanings or moralizing interpretations.
Hundertjahrkarte
A new ‘medieval look’ is intended to suggest the power and virtue of the German character.
Hycrest Modern Royalty
Published by the Hycrest Playing Card Co., New York, c.1931. The large suit symbol behind each figure enhances the visual impact of the deck, as does the splendid back design & Joker.
Imperial Royal Pack
Imperial Royal Playing Cards published by S. & J. Fuller, 34 Rathbone Place, London, 1828. The court cards show bust portraits of historical figures of England, Spain, Turkey and France.
In der Fuehrer’s Face
“In der Fuehrer’s Face” playing cards designed in 1945 by Antonio Arias Bernal, a Mexican artist, but not published until 2002.
Indian Ganjifa
‘Ganjifa’ playing cards made in Sheopor in the North of Madhya Pradesh province in Central India. The Ganjifa game probably developed from 13th century games played by Mamluk immigrants from China.
Islenzk Spil
This historical Icelandic deck was first published in c.1930 and shows the native Icelandic Vikings of some thousand years ago rendered in a romantic naturalistic style.
Ivorette
Dougherty was at the forefront of innovation, adding Best Bowers and then Jokers, rounded corners and various types of indices, or indicators, to his cards.
J. C. Jegel
Historical Deck made by Johann Conrad Jegel, Nürnberg, after 1850. Etching by G. Pommer.
J. Glanz Historical playing cards
Historical Theatrical playing cards manufactured by J. Glanz, c.1865
Jacob Bagges AB
Playing cards published by Jacob Bagges AB Stockholm, close copies of Dondorf designs.
Jacob Holmblad c.1830
An amazing difference can be seen between the early and the later Jacob Holmblad packs, covering a time span of only 17 years.
Jacob Holmblad, 1820s
The Q♥ has a butterfly net in which she has caught four hearts. Many of Holmblad's designs were replaced or changed in different editions, but this design was not used again.
Japanesque
Goodall’s “Japanesque” brand was used for stationery products since around 1880 but these playing cards were added to the range in around 1900.
Jeu de Bataille
“Jeu de Bataille” card game published by Éditions Willeb, Paris. The court cards represent characters from different nationalities or ethnic groups who are presumably engaged in battle
Jeu de Costumes Historiques
These cards are from neatly etched plates, and are carefully coloured. The court cards present full-length figures in character costumes.
Jeu des Rois de France
This beautifully engraved and pleasing deck designed in 1856 has French Kings and consorts as the Kings and Queens, with noble attendants as the Jacks, all dressed in magnificent period costumes.
Jeu Louis XV
B.P. Grimaud of Paris issued this very ornate costume deck called “Jeu Louis XV No.1502” in c.1895. It has been so popular that it has been re-published on numerous occasions and is still available today in modern re-prints or facsimiles.
Jeu Moyen Age
Quénioux believed that aesthetic feelings are the highest values: “C’est précisément cet amour de l’artisan pour le travail qu’il accomplit, la satisfaction intime qu’il en éprouve, qui ont donné naissance à tous les arts et qui ont fait dire que l’art est la joie dans le travail”.
Karl Gerich
Karl Gerich's interest in playing-card production came to the fore while studying at Bath Academy of Art from 1975. Karl produced a unique range of hand-made playing cards during the period 1980-1998.
Karl Gerich no.23: “Beautiful Bath”
Beautiful Bath is a hand-made pack by Karl Gerich which was published in 1996.
Karl Gerich No.33: Views of Bath
Views of Bath is Georgina Harvey's third design, created in 1990. The cards feature beautifully designed double-ended courts and double-ended Aces with a central band which is used to identify different views of the City of Bath at each end.
Kenya Tribes Playing Cards
“Kenya Tribus” playing cards published by Sapra, Mount Kenya Sundries Ltd, Nairobi, 1991
Key to the Kingdom
“Key to the Kingdom” - an enchanted deck - illuminated playing cards designed by Tony Meeuwissen, 1992 based around traditional rhymes and verses
Kimberley 1892
William Kimberley applied for a patent in respect of his improved playing cards in February 1892 and his application was fully accepted that year.
Kinney Transparent Cards
Kinney Bros Transparent playing cards with hidden images and fortunes, c.1890.
Korchma Taras Bulba
The first of two decks designed by Ukrainian illustrator Vladislav Erko for “Korchma Taras Bulba” restaurant which serves traditional Ukrainian cuisine
Korean Hwatu
Hwatu (화투) cards originally came about because gambling with four-suited decks was outlawed. This ban prompted the creation of new decks and a new game.
L. P. Holmblad - Denmark
Cards from c.1850 by L. P. Holmblad showing fantasy historical Danish Kings and Queens.
La Baraja Constitucional
The “Baraja Constitucional” commemorates the declaration in Cádiz of the Constitution of 1812 and was designed and created by Simón Ardit y Quer in 1822
La Suisse Historique Swiss Cantons souvenir
A masterpiece in the genre of tourist souvenir decks, “La Suisse Historique” Swiss Cantons souvenir designed by Melchior Annen in c.1920.
Le Florentin
Éditions Philibert published playing cards in Paris from 1954 to 1960 including Le Florentin in Renaissance style.
Litografías Industrias Madriguera
Pictorial trade cards were becoming popular throughout Europe so that tea, tobacco, chocolate or even beef extract were the commodities most associated with beautifully lithographed insert cards.
Löschenkohl’s Musical Playing Cards
Johann Hieronymus Löschenkohl (1753-1807) produced a copper engraved deck of playing cards titled “Das Musikalische Kartenspiel” in 1806.
Luxus Club Karte No.184
Another of Dondorf's masterpieces of chromolithography, the detailed artwork on these cards has multiple tints and highlights giving the figures a brilliant, glossy character.
Mamluk Playing Cards
Nã'ib, the game of lieutenants... these cards are amongst the earliest Arabic playing cards extant.
Masonic Playing Cards
A set of playing cards designed by Julien Lebleu, an original work in the history of Freemasonry. Jeu de cartes conçu par Julien Lebleu, oeuvre originale dans l'histoire de la Franc-maçonnerie.
Master of the Banderoles
Playing Cards by the Master of the Banderoles, one of the earliest professional printmakers, c.1470.
Master of the Playing Cards
Animal suited playing cards engraved by the Master of the Playing Cards, Germany, c.1455
Medicaer Spielkarte No.272
The deck has Italian indices (A, R, D, F) and was probably produced for the Italian market. The four scenic Aces are double-ended and illustrate buildings relevant to the history of the Medici dynasty.
Mercury One-2-One Situations
Mercury ‘One-2-One Situations’ playing cards published by Mercury Communications.
Mitelli Tarocchini
The title refers to “a new form of Tarocchini”. Mitelli's designs are to a high standard of artistic quality and a complete departure from the old tradition, especially the 22 Trump cards which are unnamed and unnumbered.
Naipe Nacional
Naipe Nacional designed by the architect, illustrator and artist Luis Alemany (1886-1943).
Naipes Casino Estilo Argentino
Naipes Casino Estilo Argentino by Justo Rodero with Gaucho suit symbols: the mate gourd, the sun, "facón" and gaucho club (palo borracho).
Naipes Nacionales
Naipes Nacionales designed by Manuel Bayardi and published by Clemente Jacques y Cia, Mexico c.1940.
Naipes Victoria Gaucho
Naipes Victoria Spanish-suited, gaucho-themed pack celebrating the culture and traditions of the gauchos.
Neue Deutsche Spielkarte
Neue Deutsche Spielkarte (Reformkarte) conceived by Dr. Timon Schroeter, 1883.
New Style ‘Jugendstil’
Playing cards showing the influence of ‘Jugendstil’ manufactured by the Soviet Playing Card Monopoly (U.S.S.R.) 1930
Nineteenth Century Pack
A magnificent example of Goodall & Son’s range of chromolithographed Commemorative playing cards from the late nineteenth century..
Non-standard deck by Maillard
Attractive deck by the Portuguese maker Maillard, c.1885 with scenic aces and German-style courts
O. Gibert, Paris c.1840-60
Gibert was a master card-maker whose fashionable playing cards were of a very high standard.
Ojibwa Native Indian Cards
Ojibwa Native Indian playing cards hand manufactured on birch bark in imitation of standard French / English cards, c.1875.
Owen Jones (1809-1874)
Owen Jones (1809-1874) was a Welsh architect and interior designer who designed the backs of playing cards for Thomas de la Rue.
Parisian Actors and Opera Singers
Extraordinary ‘Actors and Opera Singers’ deck printed by Avril et Cie, Paris, c.1865
Playing Card Design
The design of a pack of playing cards involves a balance between utilitarian constraints and artistic possibilities.
Rokoko-Bild No.158
This pattern was published between 1889-1933, at first with no Joker, which was added in 1906 along with small indices in German or English.
Romance Español
“Romance Español” designed by Carlos Sáenz de Tejada and published by Heraclio Fournier in various editions since 1951.
Royal Cards Reign of Queen Anne
“Royal Cards Reign of Queen Anne” cover historical events, both honourable and treacherous, during the period 1702 to 1704.
Russian “Historical”
Russian “Historical extra fine No.204” Playing Cards depicting Ancient Dynasties, 1920s.
Russian Four Seasons
“Seasons” playing cards published by The Colour Printing Plant in St Petersburg in 1971, designed by U. P. Ivanov
Scottish Legends
Scottish Legends playing cards illustrated by Mark Oxbrow. published by R Somerville, Edinburgh, 1998.
Shakespearean
Shakespearean Playing Cards designed by Frederick Colin Tilney, made by John Waddington Limited c.1925.
Sheba by Omega Concepts Ltd, 1972
Sheba playing cards illustrated by Brent Bailer and published by Omega Concepts Ltd, 1972
SiRen International
“SiRen International” playing cards based on traditional style of Indian miniature painting, 1998
Slavonic
Originally published as “Slavonic Cards No.501” by The Colour Printing Plant, St. Petersburg, in the 1920s
Snap by Woolley & Co
‘Cries of London Snap’ by Woolley & Co Ltd, c.1905 with cheerful figures of street vendors.
Speelkaartenfabriek Nederland Maritime Deck
Dutch Maritime pack designed by J.Verhoeven and printed by Speelkaartenfabriek Nederland c1938
Stage Playing Cards, 1908
This beautiful deck features an oval half-tone photo of a theatre star on each card, many of them legendary names, along with their autograph beneath. The border artwork consists of a different coloured floral pattern for each suit. The back has a decorative panel with theatre masks.
Stuttgart pack, c.1430
The luxury, hand-painted Stuttgart Cards (Stuttgarter Kartenspiel) dated c.1430, with suits of ducks, falcons, stags and hounds.
Suicide King
The King of Hearts, holding a sword behind his head, is sometimes nicknamed the “Suicide King”. He can be seen to derive from a late medieval design showing a King wielding a battle axe.
Taro Okamoto
The combination of shapes and colours in these playing cards creates a vibrant and eye-catching surreal effect.
Tarocchino Lombardo
“Tarocchino Lombardo” c.1835, a limited facsimile edition of 2500 by Edizione del Solleone, Italy, 1981.
Tarocco Siciliano
The highly individual Sicilian Tarot has the Italo-Portuguese suit system with straight, interlocking swords and batons, and maids instead of jacks
The History of Playing Cards
Playing Cards have been around in Europe since the 1370s. Some early packs were hand painted works of art which were expensive and affordable only by the wealthy. But as demand increased cheaper methods of production were discovered so that playing cards became available for everyone...
The Royal Historical Game of Cards
The Royal Historical Game of Cards invented by Jane Roberts and published by Robert Hardwicke, c.1840.
The Stage No.65
The court cards and Aces each feature four portraits of famous theatre stars from the 1890s inside round frames, against a background pattern based on traditional court cards.
The Steamboat Brand
The theme of steamboats navigating up and down the Mississippi also extended to the cotton plantations alongside the river and to African American people employed therein who were sometimes depicted on the special Joker card.
Trans-siberian Express
‘Trans-Siberian Express’ playing cards designed by Veronika Nicolaeva, Az-Art Publishing House, St. Petersburg, Russia, 2015.
Transformation of Playing Cards
Hand-drawing ‘Transformation’ playing cards was a popular pastime 200 years ago
Under the Sea
“Under the Sea” transformation playing cards, published in 2005 to raise money for the Marine Stewardship Council, an environmental charity which promotes sustainable fishing practices.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
One of a series of sumptuous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express playing cards produced by B.P. Grimaud for the VSOE gift collection. The 3/4 length court cards depict people in Oriental costumes.
Vergnano Tarot 1826-1851
Stefano Vergnano’s Tarot and playing card factory holds a special place in the history of the Tarot.
Victoria Diamond Jubilee
Playing cards commemorating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, manufactured by Chas Goodall & Son, 1897.
Vienna (ex-Lyon) pattern
‘Vienna pattern’ derived from archaic Lyon pattern by Ferd Piatnik & Söhne A.G., c.1926-1934.
Vincenz Raimund Grüner 1809
Transformation cards designed and engraved by Vincenz Raimund Grüner, Vienna, 1809
Waddington’s Playing Cards
John Waddington Limited was a leading producer of playing cards and card games in the UK during the period 1922-1995. The company had been founded in the nineteenth century by Mr John Waddington and Wilson Barratt as Waddingtons Ltd.
Whist No.80
Stylistically, the deck fits easily into the Dondorf “luxury card” group. The deck was produced for the Danish firm Adolph Wulff of Copenhagen in c.1928-35.
Woodblock and Stencil Playing Cards
Around 1987 I decided to make a pack of playing cards from woodblocks and coloured with stencils. I imagined I was carrying out my 'apprenticeship'.
XV Century Italian Playing Cards
Cards from a pack of an early form of north Italian playing cards, with the swords back-to-back and curved outwards. Believed to be Venetian, dated 1462.
Zodiac Bridge
Zodiac Bridge was designed by René Marcel Rivière and printed by AGM Müller in c.1975. A different sign of the zodiac appears on the clothing of each court card figure.