Cossack
“Cossack” playing cards, with artwork by O. Panchenko dedicated to the revival of the traditions of the Cossacks. Printed by the Colour Printing Plant, St Petersburg, 1994.

Kuban Cossack ( 1994 )
Artwork by O. Panchenko dedicated to the revival of the traditions of the Kuban Cossacks or Kubanians, who live in the Kuban region of Russia. Printed by the Colour Printing Plant, St Petersburg, 1994. This pack of cards appeared on the initiative of the publishing house “Bakay” situated in the Cossacks’ village Kanevskaya of the Krasnodar Territory.

Above: “Cossack” playing cards, with artwork by O. Panchenko dedicated to the revival of the traditions of the Cossacks. Printed by the Colour Printing Plant, St Petersburg, 1994.

The creation of this pack of cards occurred on the tide of the rebirth of Cossack traditions. The author of the “Cossacks’ Kuban” Oleg Panchenko depicted vivid types of Kuban Cossacks of the Caucasian war period on the face cards. The kings and jacks depicted as Cossacks clad in traditional Circassian coats of different colours, satin oriental quilted coats (beshmets) and tall Astrakhan hats seem to have gathered for the meeting before a long military campaign. The old Cossacks are thoughtful as if remembering old battles and the fallen. On the contrary, the young Cossacks are quite cheery as they dream about deserving crosses for their brave raids valiantly twisting moustaches to attract young Cossack girls’ attention. The young ladies with downcast eyes taking a sneak peek with sorrow realize that not all of these courageous Cossacks will return home. The pip cards are also dedicated to Cossacks’ life: scenes from everyday life in villages and dangerous days of war. The aces illustrate dear to the heart of any Cossack saddles, whips and sabres. Notes by E.Grigorenko.

By Valentin Krasavin (Валентин Красавин)
Member since January 05, 2014
Related Articles

Mexican ethnic playing cards
Mexican ethnic groups depicted on playing cards by Fábrica de Naipes Cuauhtemoc.

Seminole Wars deck
Seminole Wars deck by J. Y. Humphreys, Philadelphia, c.1819.

Russian Circus deck
The Russian Circus deck published by the Imperial Playing Card Factory, St Petersburg.

Ubo cards
Traditional Ubo cards from the Philippines made from tree bark.

Motherpeace Round Tarot
An original and imaginative feminist tarot invoking matriarchal Goddess energy.

Colonial Art
A collection of 53 pieces of art showcasing detailed scenes from early American colonial life.

Le jeu des 7 Familles ’Utuafare
Colourful Happy Families game from Tahiti depicting costumes from different archipelagoes.

Wedding of Krechinsky • Свадьба Кречинского
A pack of cards depicting characters from the famous play "The Wedding of Krechinsky" by Sukhovo-Kob...

Mohegan Sun playing cards
Mohegan Sun playing cards published by Gemaco for Mohegan Sun casino.

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

Heathen Wars
German-suited ‘Heathen War’ playing cards published by Joseph Fetscher, Munich, c.1820.

Branle playing cards
‘Branle’ playing cards inspired by a 12th-century dance, produced by Noir Arts, USA, 2015.

Pendleton playing cards
Pendleton playing cards inspired by indigenous American artwork, USA, 2019.

Malam playing cards
Malam playing cards created by Michael Muldoon, USA, 2015.

Costumes des Peuples Étrangers
Costumes des Peuples Étrangers & Jeu d’Or dedicated to young people and likely used for games and fo...

Race Card
‘Race Card’ playing cards published by the Concept Card Co., New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 28 days