The World of Playing Cards Logo

Rihards Zarinš

Published July 03, 1996 Updated June 28, 2023

Playing cards designed by Rihards Zarinš, 1921. Latvian indices and with heraldic and hunting motifs reminiscent of the countries' ancient history and folklore.

1921 Latvia Latvijas Vertspapiru Spiestuve Rihards Zarinš Folklore

Rihards Zarinš, Latvia 1921

Latvijas Vertspapiru Spiestuve, Riga

The 1st ‘National’ set of Latvian playing cards designed by graphic artist Prof. Rihards Zarinš, director of the Government Printing House (1919-1933) and head of the graphic arts workshop at the Latvian Academy of Arts (1921-1938). The cards have Latvian indices and folkloric ornamentation and motifs reminiscent of the countries' ancient history and folklore. Rihards Zarins also designed the Latvian national coat of arms which was formed after the proclamation of an independent Latvian Republic, banknotes, stamps and coins. Apart from countless works of applied and commercial graphic art, Zarins made book-illustrations, etchings, lithographs, drawings, water colors, caricatures and ex libris.   See biography of Rihards Zarinš →

designed by Rihards Zarinš, 1921

Above: playing cards designed by Rihards Zarinš, 1921. The Ace of Hearts has the legend "Latvijas Vertspapiru Spiestuve, Riga" printed at the bottom, which translates as: "Latvian Securities Printing, Riga".

avatar
14 Articles

By Albinas Borisevičius

Member since July 01, 2010

I have been collecting cards since 1968, of course, then there were no contacts with world collectors, so my collection was very small. It was only in 1991, when Lithuania declared its independence, that it was possible to have contact with the world. It was a great honor for me to attend the IPCS convention in Munich, where I found many friends-colleagues. I managed to make an agreement with the Viennese card factory to print the ancient cards of Lithuania (PILYS).

My area of collecting - classic mirror-type cards and tourist cards - with images of cities, countries, photos. Also topics Sherlock Holmes, Alexander Dumas, Discover, Chess, Basketball, postage stamps on the cards. Since I am already 75 years old, I don't work, so I can't buy old cards (I really like classic cards from the 1920-1950 period). But my opinion is that it is better to have a card copy than nothing, so I will print one set of cards in Vilnius for my collection. Of course, if anyone wants, I can print it for them too. You can see my printed cards here: Lithuania - Orija.

I have published one book in Lithuania about cards and card games (in Lithuanian, about 400 pages): Albinas Borisevicius. Pirmasis padalijimas (The first deal)


Leave a Reply

Default Avatar
Your Name
Just now

Create account to comment Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here.


Related Articles

2016 Gallia Belgica playing cards

Gallia Belgica playing cards

Gallia Belgica playing cards by Cédric Volon presenting a view of Belgian culture and folklore.

1997 Pinocchio playing cards

Pinocchio playing cards

Comic book drawings inspired by Carlo Collodi’s children’s classic, Pinocchio.

1992 Norfin® Trolls

Norfin® Trolls

Troll dolls with gaudy hairstyles in a multitude of different costumes.

Calon Arang • Калон Аранг - Бали

Calon Arang • Калон Аранг - Бали

Calon Arang, a figure from 12th-century Javanese and Balinese folklore known as a witch skilled in b...

2003 The Lovers playing cards

The Lovers playing cards

Reproductions of old postcards with romantic messages for Valentine’s Day.

2017 Calaveras De Azúcar

Calaveras De Azúcar

Calaveras De Azúcar playing cards produced by Natalia Silva, USA, 2017.

2017 Russian folk art playing cards

Russian folk art playing cards

Russian folk art playing cards produced by Natalia Silva, USA, 2017.

1980 Christmas 1980 playing cards

Christmas 1980 playing cards

Festive courts on a Waddingtons pack designed to celebrate Christmas 1980.

1800 Æsop’s Fables tarot

Æsop’s Fables tarot

French-suited Æsop’s fables tarot produced by Leipzig Industrie Comptoir, c.1800-1825.

2021 Jack-O’-Lantern Tarot

Jack-O’-Lantern Tarot

Giuliano Costa's Jack-O’-Lantern tarot blends Rider-Waite symbolism with the rich and atmospheric th...

1983 Baraxa Galega

Baraxa Galega

Baraxa Galega designed by F. Perez Llamosas and published by Naipes Heraclio Fournier, 1983.

2005 Easter Playing Cards

Easter Playing Cards

Egg-shaped cards with rabbit designs in soft, pastel colours for Easter.

2005 Modet Sardegna

Modet Sardegna

Costumes, masks and symbols from the island of Sardinia, with designs by Luciano Dettori and Tonino ...

1992 Pacific Northwest native Indian masks

Pacific Northwest native Indian masks

Pacific Northwest native Indian masks with artwork by Margaret Parrott, USA, 1992.

1984 The Firebird playing cards

The Firebird playing cards

Exquisite designs with characters and scenes from Russian folk tales by the artist Yury Shakov.

1972 Rombach + Co Skat

Rombach + Co Skat

Publicity pack designed by Uschi Dorner for a bookshop in Freiburg im Breisgau.