Egyptium
“Egyptium” is a hand-illustrated deck of fantasy playing cards with artwork by Russian artist Oleg Shapkin.
Ancient Egypt had a complex belief system that merged magic, religion and the afterlife, and this is what has motivated the idea of this fantasy deck. “Powerful magicians who ruled the earth and sky ... potent sorcerers and shape shifters, lords of beasts as well as men”. The custom court cards, which took three years to complete, attempt to personify mutating, shape-shifting figures, the essence of sorcery and magic - from the Kickstarter description►
The intricate and detailed artwork is exceptional, showcasing a remarkable level of creativity and craftsmanship. The project was successfully crowdfunded on Kickstarter in 2021. While the fine details may be challenging to fully appreciate during gameplay, these cards are more likely intended as a collector's item.
Above: “Egyptium” fantasy playing cards with artwork by Russian artist Oleg Shapkin, printed by Nage Cards, 2021. 52 cards + 2 jokers + extra card in box.
Links
April Global Store: Oleg Shapkin►
Kickstarter: Egyptium Playing Cards►
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996 • Contact
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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