Hand-painted and Silk-inlaid playing cards

Published October 20, 2023 • Updated April 07, 2024

Complete pack of 36 hand-painted and silk-inlaid playing cards with French suits made in Germany.

Complete pack of 36 hand-painted and silk-inlaid playing cards with French suits made in Germany, 17th C. The portions intended to represent the dresses of the figures, and the suitmarks, are cut out and inlaid with coloured silks, etc., the faces and other details on the court cards being hand-painted. The costumes are from about 1690. The suitmarks on the pip cards, though French, are represented in the German style as growing from a central stem and the lower values are decorated with flowers.

complete pack of 36 hand-painted and silk-inlaid playing cards with French suits made in Germany, 17th C. © The Trustees of the British Museum

Above: complete pack of 36 hand-painted and silk-inlaid playing cards with French suits made in Germany, 17th C. 90x65 mm. Hand-painted and inlaid with coloured fabrics. Backs marbled, edges gilt. Enclosed in white vellum cover with a single clasp, like a book. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number: 1896,0501.531►

References

O’Donoghue, Freeman M: Catalogue of the collection of playing cards bequeathed by Lady Charlotte Schreiber, Trustees of the British Museum, London, 1901 (German 190) [digital version here]

Another similar pack also in the British Museum can be viewed here: 1896,0501.530►

1,487 Articles

By Simon Wintle

Spain • Member since February 01, 1996 • Contact

I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.

History & Culture

Design & Symbolism

Collecting

Tarot & Cartomancy

Hand-painted and Silk-inlaid playing cards

References

Related Articles

Most Popular