Wayang Bridge Cards
Traditional Wayang puppet theatre characters from Indonesia.
Wayang is a traditional form of puppet theatre entertainment which originated on the island of Java but which is also known in Bali and elsewhere. The name wayang can refer to the entire show or to the puppet itself. The delicacy and apparent fragility of these colourful puppets are well conveyed in this pack with its double-ended courts and black-and-white Jokers. The gunungan (Javanese “mountain”) is a particularly suitable figure to be represented on the Ace of Spades because of its conical shape. The names of all the characters are listed on the extra card►
The box flap contains the message: "We claim exclusive trade mark rights in Pictures, Ace of Spades, Joker, name, number, back design, case design" but there is no mention of a producer or artist. There is also a registered number - Reg. No. 141596. See the box►
Above: Traditional Wayang puppet theatre characters from Indonesia, 1981 (2nd printing). The backs show a kawung batik motif in red or blue. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + 1 extra card in tuck box. Size: 62 x 88 mm.
By Roddy Somerville
France • Member since May 31, 2022 • Contact
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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