Basler Fasnachts-Karten
The Basler Fasnachts deck is designed each year by a different local artist.
Basler Fasnachts-Karten Playing Cards, 1987
See also: 1982 • 1983 • 1984 • 1985 • 1986 • 1988 • 1989
The Carnival of Basel (German: Basler Fasnacht) is the biggest carnival in Switzerland which takes place annually between February and March. A special deck is designed for the occasion by a local artist. The 1987 Basler Fasnachtskarten deck was designed by Marianne Pomeroy, successfully capturing the spirit of the carnival, the colourful costumes, masks and harlequins with flutes and drums, almost like Alice in Wonderland or a Disney animated movie. The participants toss confetti into the crowds and hand out sweets and other treats to the spectators. Wikipedia →
Above: the 12 court cards from the 1987 Basler Fasnachts-Karten deck designed by Marianne Pomeroy and printed by Müller A.G., Neuhausen a/R. 52 cards + 3 Jokers.
Above: all images courtesy Barney Townshend.
By Barney Townshend
United Kingdom • Member since October 06, 2015
Retired Airline Pilot, interested in: Transformation Playing Cards, Karl Gerich and Elaine Lewis. Secretary of the EPCS. Treasurer of the IPCS.
Activity for Basler Fasnachts-Karten
Sign in to comment or save this article.
Related Articles
The ACA Liège Game
A curious art-game from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Liège, issued in 2000.
Modern Swiss-German Pattern (carta.media)
Modernizing tradition: balancing clarity and continuity in regional card design.
Zürcher Festspiel 1903
Swiss-suited pack designed by Robert Hardmeyer featuring figures from art and politics.
Baraja Española de Pintores Murcianos
A Spanish-suited pack as conceived by 48 different artists from the region of Murcia.
Schwyzer Fasnachts-Jass
Traditional carnival figures from the Swiss canton Schwyz, as interpreted by the artist Léon Schnyde...
Müller: Richelieu
This deck is named after Armand Jean du Plessis de Richelieu, Cardinal-Duc de Richelieu (1585-1642),...
The Deck of Cards
The Deck of Cards by Andrew Jones Art, 1979.
Brunner Möbel
Publicity pack for Brunner Möbel with graphic design by André Stehle, 1966
Prime Arts
Prime Arts Playing Cards were published in 2004 featuring the work of contemporary artists, illustra...
Monsters
A collective of artists known as Monster Illustration produced a deck entitled “Monsters” in 2004.
Krienser Fasnachts-Jass 1988
The Krienser Fasnachts-Jass deck was designed and published by Léon Schnyder from Kriens for the 198...
Marguerite
Each court figure is richly decorated and holding something different: a letter, a wreath, a quill p...
Casino
“Casino” pack made by J. Müller & Cie & Cie, Schaffhouse. The pack was probably designed by Josef Ma...
Rococco
Designed by Josef Maria Melchior Annen (1868-1954) who also designed several other packs for Müller ...
Carnival Playing Cards, 1925
The Carnival Playing Card deck designed by Harry D. Wallace (1892-1977) and first published in 1925....
The 52 Club
The London College of Printing '52 Club' Designers and Artists playing cards, 1984.
Richard Wagner
Richard Wagner playing cards designed by Melchior Annen.
Vitrail‒Bridge, 1991
Playing cards inspired by stained glass, designed by Gertrud Kümpel-Amsler, 1991.
Humanist pack by J. Müller & Cie
'Humanist' pack made by J. Müller & Cie (Schaffhouse), originally named 'Troubador'. The pack was d...
The History of Playing Cards
Playing cards appear in European records in the late 14th century, but their earlier history lies fu...
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
Peter Burnett
19 November 2025, 09:47SavedSaved this article to Peter's Collection