Catalan pattern by B.P Grimaud

This perfectly standard Spanish Catalan pattern deck was made in Paris by B.P Grimaud in the 19th century. The four of cups has a trademark parrot in a hoop with the manufacturer’s name in cursive script, but no other inscriptions. Grimaud produced Spanish-suited playing cards that were exported to various South American countries, including Argentina, Uruguay, and Bolivia where the Catalan pattern was accepted. The flags on the ace of coins are nondescript.

Interestingly, a similar “El Periquito” motif was used by Barcelona cardmaker Sebastián Comas for various differently styled packs for export to South America since the late 1800s, where the vibrant imagery helped to blend Spanish traditions with local culture and build a connection. The motif was also formerly used by Cristobal Massó i Artigas, so perhaps it wasn't registered.

Above: Catalan pattern manufactured by B.P Grimaud, Paris, c.1860. 40 cards. Bibliothèque nationale de France • Jeu d’aluette►

The Bibliothèque nationale lists this pack as Jeu d’aluette (game of Aluette), which is popular in the western coast of France, the Catalan region of Roussillon, and other areas, and traditionally uses a 48-card Spanish deck based on the Catalan pattern. However, this pack only has 40 cards and doesn’t have any of the idiosyncratic symbols usually found on Aluette packs.