Masuo Ikeda

Masuo Ikeda (1934-1997) was a Japanese painter, printmaker, illustrator, sculptor, ceramist, novelist, and film director from Nagano Prefecture. The brightly coloured courts have a surrealist look. On closer inspection, many of the courts have erotic overtones, achieved in an amusing way. Non-standard arrangement of many of the pips, all of which have been slightly adapted. The title card carries the printed signature of the artist and the date (’77). Gilt edges. Maybe the designs would have looked better on larger, poker-size cards.

Above: Masuo Ikeda playing cards, c.1977 made by Carta Mundi, Turnhout, Belgium, published by Kodansha Ltd, and produced by Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., Japan, c1977. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + 1 title card. Size: 56 x 87 mm. Is that a navel I see on the back?