Latvia Art

Published June 18, 2012 Updated July 19, 2022

Playing cards designed by artist Larisa Kovalass-Kovalevska on the theme of the Latvian folk epic “Lāčplēsis”.

2003 LatviaFolkloreLarisa Kovalass-Kovalevska

Lāčplēsis - Latvia Art - 2003

Playing cards designed by artist Larisa Kovalass-Kovalevska on the theme of the Latvian folk epic “Lāčplēsis”.

Designed by artist Larisa Kovalass-Kovalevska on the theme of Latvian folk epic “Lāčplēsis”. The designs are based on authentic, verifiable museum artefacts of clothing and decorations.

Right: packs contain 56 cards (52 + 2 jokers + 2 blank) and the first edition was limited to 500 packs. The cards are manufactured in the so-called ‘American Poker’ size. Anglo-American corner indices are used.

The cards appeared in June 2003, just before the 23rd Latvian Folk Song Festival.

References: Latvian Playing Cards by Jānis Mētra, Riga, 2006.

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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.

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