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The Art & Design of Playing Cards

Playing Card Design

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.

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Folklore 1982

Folklore

“Folklore” by Altenburger Spielkarten Fabrik, c.1982

Fondation Charcot Stichting 1990

Fondation Charcot Stichting

Multi-artist promotion deck for Le Fondation Charcot, a Multiple Sclerosis charity in Belgium, c.1990.

Four Centuries

Four Centuries

“Four Centuries” playing cards by Esselte Öbergs with court cards depicted as caricatures from different historical periods.

Four Point 2014

Four Point

“Four Point” playing cards, a labour of love designed and illustrated by Ben Vierck, 2014

France Royale Bridge 1975

France Royale Bridge

“France Royale” Bridge playing cards by Willy Mayrl depict historical characters from France’s royal past.

Friendly Felines 2017

Friendly Felines

‘Friendly Felines’ playing cards designed by Azured Ox, 2017.

Frozen Court - The Aethiopic Rendering 2000

Frozen Court - The Aethiopic Rendering

A deck made specifically for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first African-american college fraternity, for their 2000 convention.

Gedimino Stulpai 1930

Gedimino Stulpai

Gedimino Stulpai playing cards made in Lithuania by Spindulys Printing Co., Kaunas, depicting Lithuanian national symbolism.

Geneviève Lirola 1973

Geneviève Lirola

Stylish modern designs by the painter, decorator and ceramist Geneviève Lirola, featuring unity of colours in each suit.

Giffgaff 2015

Giffgaff

Giffgaff mobile network playing cards, 2015.

Gods of Egypt 2018

Gods of Egypt

Gods of Egypt playing cards dedicated to the culture of Ancient Egypt.

Goodall’s “Historic” Playing Cards 1893

Goodall’s “Historic” Playing Cards

Goodall’s “Historic” Playing Cards depict royal costumes of four periods in English history, 1893.

Graciela Rodo Boulanger

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.

Granbergs No.101 Standardkort 1924

Granbergs No.101 Standardkort

Olle Hjortzberg (1872-1959) designed these playing cards for Granbergs AB in c.1924 in ‘Art Nouveau’ style.

Hannelore Heise: “Essay” & “Gracia” 1967

Hannelore Heise: “Essay” & “Gracia”

Two charming designs by Hannelore Heise from Germany.

Hearts of London 1994

Hearts of London

Hearts of London for British Heart Foundation 1994.

Hidden Mickeys

Hidden Mickeys

“HiddenMickeys” by Peter Wood

Hiroshige Ukiyo-e playing cards

Hiroshige Ukiyo-e playing cards

“Hiroshige” playing cards drawn by Hiroshige Ando (1797-1858) at 53 stopoffs on the journey from Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto.

Historic Shakespeare 1893

Historic Shakespeare

Historic Shakespeare with courts featuring Shakespearean characters, Chas Goodall & Son.

Humanist pack by J. Müller & Cie

Humanist pack by J. Müller & Cie

'Humanist' pack made by J. Müller & Cie (Schaffhouse), originally named 'Troubador'. The pack was designed by Melchior Annen (1868-1954) who also designed several other packs for Müller & Cie.