Spanish National Pattern
Probably originating in Spain in the seventeenth century or even earlier, this pattern became strongly established by the Catalan cardmakers Rotxotxo of Barcelona.
Pere Rotxotxo, Barcelona, c.1650
Probably originating in Spain in the seventeenth century or even earlier, this pattern became strongly established by the Catalan cardmakers Rotxotxo of Barcelona. It was also manufactured in France and Italy. Although no longer used in Spain, during the 17th and 18th centuries it was extensively exported to Latin American colonies, and it provides the basis for many of the designs which are used today in Spain as well as South America. The Real Fábrica de Naipes de Macharaviaya (1776-1815) was manufacturing cards for export to South America based on these designs (see below). Several derivatives of this deisgn have survived in various parts of the world, such as French ‘Aluette’ cards, French ‘Cartes Catalanes’, ‘Parisian’ Spanish pattern (used in Uruguay) and cards used in North Africa.
Above: six Gothic playing cards by P. Rotxotxo which evidently have been used for a secondary purpose - possibly sewn in as stiffening inside a garment.
Above: Baraja Española Gótica siglo XVII facsimile of deck manufactured by Pere Rotxotxo, reproduced by Naipes Heráclio Fournier, S.A., 1983. 40 cards in presentation case.
See also: Navarra 17th Century • Seville 17th Century • Rotxotxo Workshop Inventories, Barcelona • Agostino Bergallo • Benoist Laius • Pedro Bosio and ‘Money Bag’ pattern • Joan Barbot • Gandarillas • Naipes Artiguistas • Macharaviaya
Félix Solesio - Real Fábrica de Macharaviaya, 1787
Official signatures on certain cards, in this example the Three of Coins, were proof that taxes had been paid to the treasury.
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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