The Art & Design of Playing Cards
The playing card calls for artistic treatment and although the constrained size imposes some limitations there is an almost bewildering wealth and variety of designs in playing cards and their tuck boxes. The serious player requires design to be unobtrusive so that aesthetic considerations remain in the background. However, with modern manufacturing technology more eye-catching designs are becoming popular as gifts, collectibles and for their attractive appearance.
Crystal Time
Colourful and attractive designs by Violeta Monreal, inspired by stained glass through the ages.
Delta Playing Cards
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by Simon Wintle
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”.
Deutche Karten
Karl Gerich's ‘Deutche Karten’ playing cards No.9, printed from copperplate etchings.
Deutfracht Seereederei Rostock II
Maritime deck designed by Klaus Ensikat for Deutsche Seereederei Rostock, GDR.
Dilkhus playing cards for India
Van Genechten was one of the most competent cardmakers in Turnhout and they produced almost every kind of foreign pack for clients all around the world.
El Aguila
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by Simon Wintle
Naipes ‘El Aguila’ with flamboyantly dressed court figures made in Mexico by La Cubana S.A., c.1975.
Erlenmeyer City Sights
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by Matt Probert
Erlenmeyer City Sights hand-illustrated playing cards by Stephanie Gray, 2015.
Estelares
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by Simon Wintle
Naipes Estelares playing cards manufactured by Luis A. Fourvel y Cia., Buenos Aires, early 1950s.
Europe
“Europe” designed by Teodoro N. Miciano and printed by Heraclio Fournier in 1962, portraying XIV century European fashions.
F. Molina Campos
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by Simon Wintle
Unofficial Edition of Molina Campos playing cards, anonymous publisher, 2004.
Falta Envido
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by Simon Wintle
Naipes Argentinos para Truco "Falta Envido" created by Alberto Soifer with Gaucho courts and variant suit symbols, 1982.
Fashion Face Off
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by Matt Probert
“Fashion Face Off” card game illustrated by Erin Petson for Laurence King Publishing, c.2011.
Festa Major de Vilafranca 1988
Colourful figures associated with the annual festival held in Vilafranca, Catalonia.