José Maria Durán
Spanish Catalan pattern by José Maria Durán, Barcelona, c.1870.
A brightly cloured edition of the Spanish Catalan pattern produced by José Maria Durán, Barcelona, c.1870. Lettering on the 4 of cups reads "De Una hoja por José Maria Duran. Barcelona" while a butterfly trademark can be seen on the four of coins.
In the 19th century, the Catalan-style playing card pattern (also known as the Barcelona pattern) experienced a rise in popularity and production, although the origins of the designs can be traced back to medieval times. During this era, printing presses and card manufacturers primarily in Catalonia but also in other regions produced these decks in inceasing quantities. It is now regarded as a standard pattern throughout Spain and beyond. Packs usually contain 40 or 48 cards.
Above: Spanish Catalan pattern by José Maria Durán, Barcelona, c.1870. 48 cards, stencil-coloured lithograph, backs printed in black with a pattern of small suns and diagonal broken lines. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number b1900,1231.1288.1-48►
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.
Activity for José Maria Durán
Sign in to comment or save this article.
Related Articles
The archaic “Classic Madrid” Pattern
Centralisation, standardisation and consolidation of the Spanish card tradition.
Baraja Quimera
An imaginative reinterpretation of the Spanish-suited deck in a contemporary folk-art style.
Pou y Cía
Catalan pattern made by Pou y Cía, Madrid c.1860.
XV Century Spanish-suited playing cards
XV Century Spanish-suited playing cards with moorish influences
Viuda de Gombau e Hijos
Spanish-suited pack in the Raimundo García pattern produced in Madrid by Viuda de Gombau e Hijos, 18...
J. Deluy c.1490s
Archaic Spanish-suited cards produced by J. Deluy c.1490s.
Navarra Pattern
Navarra Pattern produced for the Pamplona General Hospital Monopoly.
Heráldica Castanyer
Spanish Catalan pattern No.6 by Heráldica Castanyer, Sabadell (Barcelona), c.1980.
Mas-Reynals Catalan Pattern
Mas-Reynals standard Catalan pattern comes in several slightly different versions.
Artistas del Cine
Advertising pack designed by J. Passos and first printed by Cromografía Irández, Barcelona, c.1926. ...
Torras y Sanmartí
Torras y Sanmartí y Cía, Barcelona, 1830.
XV Century Catalan playing cards
XV Century Catalan Playing Cards, featuring four female Sotas, four Aces and four cards from the sui...
Vic Joc de Cartes
Vic Joc de Cartes, happy families quartet game, 1990.
José Gombau
Deck of half-sized Spanish-suited playing cards in the Maciá pattern produced by José Gombau, Zarago...
Gothic Spanish-suited cards
These cards may be a typical example of early 'standard' Spanish playing cards, maybe from before Co...
Spanish Playing Cards ~ La Baraja Española
Spain has played a pivotal role in the history of playing cards in Europe and Latin America.
Significado de los Naipes Españoles
Cartomantic meanings of Spanish playing cards by Benita the Witch (XVI century), published by Chocol...
Spanish National Pattern
Probably originating in Spain in the seventeenth century or even earlier, this pattern became strong...
Juan Roura, Barcelona (1872 - 1962)
Juan Roura produced a range of popular designs including Catalán, Castilian and Cádiz patterns for d...
A Moorish Sheet of Playing Cards
This article was originally published in “The Playing-Card”, the Journal of the International Playin...
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
