Baraja Quimera
An imaginative reinterpretation of the Spanish-suited deck in a contemporary folk-art style.
Graphic artist Paula Oestreicher has given the four traditional Spanish suits a contemporary makeover involving symbolic and natural motifs, modernized and infused with mystical imagery. Each suit keeps its conventional sequence of 1–12, with court cards numbered 10, 11, 12 for sota (jack), caballo (knight), and king. The sun and plants enliven the figures. The four aces and number cards are also decorated with plants, mystical signs and shared symbols giving an overall cohesion to this charming deck.
Above: Baraja Quimera designed by Paula Oestreicher and produced by Max Playing Cards for Asescoin (Madrid), 2025. 48 cards + 2 comodines (jokers) + several extra cards in a cardboard tuckbox. Limited edition of 400 numbered copies.
The deck was published to coincide with Asescoin's Annual Convention (17-19 October 2025) and La Sota journal No.54, more details from Asociación Española de Coleccionismo e Investigación del Naipe : Asescoin►
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996
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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