Xilografías de Mallorca
Spanish National pattern re-printed from original woodblocks which are preserved in the monastery at Valdemosa, Mallorca, c.1960.
Xilografías de Mallorca
Spanish National pattern re-printed from original woodblocks which are preserved in the monastery at Valdemosa, Mallorca, c.1960. No inscription remains on the Ace of Coins block, but the name and date have been applied later. The attribution to 16th century on the Ace is incorrect; probably they are mid-18th century blocks, although the Casa Guasp printing press was first established in 1579.
Above: Spanish National pattern printed from woodblocks which are preserved in the monastery at Valdemosa, Mallorca, probably mid-18th century blocks re-printed c.1960. The woodblocks were already worn and damaged at the time of the re-print so some details are lost. 48 cards, uncoloured.
By Simon Wintle
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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