Hand-painted and Silk-inlaid playing cards

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.

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►