Les Chevaliers de la Toison d’Or
Medieval manuscript art at its finest.
In 1430 AD, Philip III (aka Philip the Good), the Duke of Burgundy, formed a chivalric order called The Order of the Golden Fleece. It was essentially an elite fraternal organization designed to show off Philip’s power and the prestige of its members. (It still exists today!)
Armorials – the medieval version of a yearbook – contained names, ranks, and coats-of-arms of the members. Sometimes, these rosters became works of art; such is the case with the stunning Great and Small Equestrian Armorials of the Golden Fleece in this deck. The courts show nobility – including women – in gorgeous heraldic robes on caparisoned horses, with lions, fleurs-de-lis, crosses, and eagles prominently displayed on the cards. The aces bear elaborate coats-of-arms.
Les Chevaliers de la Toison d’Or heraldic playing cards published by Éditions J.C. Dusserre, Paris.
Cards two through four explain the Order in several languages, while cards five through seven provide member names. The jokers are the bishop/duke of Laon and the bishop/comte de Beauvais – church officials who also had feudal titles. It’s unclear why they’re the jokers, but I don’t think it’s meant as an insult, as is sometimes the case in other decks. Philip the Good’s arms are on the backs.
By Lev Golinkin
United States • Member since May 26, 2026
I'm a US-based author and journalist. I've been collecting playing cards since I was about 8 years old, when I got mesmerized by the various decks that were used in Soviet Ukraine, where I'm from. I collect mainly European decks such as those by Dondorf, Grimaud, and Piatnik. I love courts above all else, and am drawn toward historical and artistic decks.
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