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.
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.
Irish Playing Cards
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by Simon Wintle
Playing card designs based on motifs from early Irish manuscripts and metalwork.
Jacob’s Bible Cards
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by Matt Probert
Jacob’s Bible Cards published by Lion Playing Cards Factory Ltd, Tel Aviv, since mid-1950s.
Jacques Branger designs for Miro Company
Luxury packs published by Miro Company (Paris) featuring designs by Jacques Branger, c.1940s.
Japanese Women
Japanese Women playing cards in an idealised and erotic style by Keiichi Takasawa (1914-1984).
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.
Jean Picart le Doux
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by Simon Wintle
Jean Picart le Doux playing cards, issued in 1957 to celebrate the company's 125th anniversary, featuring designs carried out in richly toned colourings typical of tapestries.
Jest Jokers
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by Simon Wintle
Peter Wood’s “Jest Jokers” comprising 54 different Joker designs made into a full pack of cards.
Jeu de Cartes Napoléon
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by Matt Probert
Deck created by Matéja celebrating the bicentenary of the birth of Napoleon (1769-1969)
Jeu de Cartes No.1
Henri Meunier was a Belgian Art Nouveau lithographer, etcher, illustrator, bookbinder and poster designer of the Belle Époque. His first introduction to art was in his father's workshop; then he completed his art studies at the Academy d'Ixelles.
Jeu des Rois de France
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by Rod Starling
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 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”.
