Fournier’s Castilian pattern

Published September 11, 1997 • Updated July 04, 2023

Designed by Emilio Soubrier, Ignacio Díaz and Augusto Rius during the 1880s as a new definitive national pattern, these medieval fantasy designs have become ubiquitous among Spanish playing cards of the twentieth century. Having been widely exported, they are widely plagiarised and copied in Latin America.

Above: Naipe Opaco Marfil No.15 Spanish Castilian style playing cards made by Hijos de Heraclio Fournier for Maruẍa razor blades, early 1930s.

Naipe Español No.101 manufactured by Hijos de Heraclio Fournier (Vitoria) c.1940

Above: Naipe Español No.101 (miniature playing cards) manufactured by Hijos de Heraclio Fournier (Vitoria) c.1940. This particular pack was exported to Argentina and has the Spanish exportation tax stamp on the five of swords.

No.1 Spanish Castilian style playing cards made in Spain by Naipes Heraclio Fournier for Palomino & Vergara Jerez Fabuloso, 1970

Above: 'Naipes Fibra Marfil' No.1 Spanish Castilian style playing cards made in Spain by Naipes Heraclio Fournier for Palomino & Vergara Jerez Fabuloso, 1970. Tax stamp on five of swords.

Naipes Fibra Marfil No.1 Spanish Castilian style playing cards made by Naipes Heraclio Fournier, Vitoria, Spain for Nivea

Above: 'Naipes Fibra Marfil' No.1 Spanish Castilian style playing cards made in Spain by Naipes Heraclio Fournier, Vitoria for Nivea, c.2002.

La baraja del Realmadrid club de futbol, 2004

Above: 'La baraja del Realmadrid club de futbol' Castilian style with custom coin symbols, Heraclio Fournier, 2004. Image courtesy Matt Probert.

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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.