Persian Courts
Encapsulation of Persia’s rich heritage as conceived by Spanish artist Violeta Monreal.
Persian art and culture provide a rich source of images and inspiration for a creative and imaginative artist such as Violeta Monreal (b. 1963). This carefully planned pack has drawn on Safavid manuscripts for the courts and 16th century illustrations for the added touches on the numeral cards. The designs on the aces are based on minuscule work carried out on metal, using colours found on ceramics, while the jokers depict angels in human form. Even the indices have been given a Persian feel. The colour scheme used adds richness to the whole. Floral motifs adorn the backs of the cards.
Above: Persian Courts playing cards designed by Violeta Monreal. Printed by Heraclio Fournier, S.A., Vitoria, Spain, 1997. 2 x 52 cards + 3 Jokers + leaflet in Spanish, English, German and French in hinged box. Size: 57 x 88 mm.
Having met and corresponded with Violeta Monreal whose work I much admire, I was delighted to be presented with the original designs for the four queens , each one signed by the artist. Only when looking closely at the original artwork can one really appreciate the subtle colour shifts and other details in the designs.
See the box
Artist’s website - www.violetamonreal.com/ ►
By Roddy Somerville
France • Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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