Proverbs and Maxims

Children’s miniature playing cards with Proverbs and Maxims, anonymous manufacturer, Montevideo, c.1928

"Naipe Infantil Gauchito" children’s miniature playing cards with Proverbs and Maxims on the reverse, 40 cards. Similar packs were published showing football players and popular heroes and celebrities. Cards of this type are examples of playing cards used for educational purposes besides providing entertainment value to young people. In order to complete the set, the children no doubt had to trade with their friends and organise their collections. The virtuous maxims would have been reinforced at school during copper-plate handwriting lessons.

Right: box from a later edition with more modern court card design →

Educational or Instructional playing cards have been around since the 16th century. See also: Logica Memorativa by Thomas Murner, 1507 • Robert Morden's Map Cards, 1676 • Arms of English Peers, 1686 • Proverbial Cards, 1698 • Mechanical Instruments, c.1700 • Geistliche Karten, 1718 • Cartes Questions-Devinettes, c.1840 • Happy Families • Jaques' Illustrated Proverbs, c.1885 • Spanish Instructional Cards, 1888 • Japanese Uta Garuta • Children's Maxim Cards from Uruguay • Indian Alphabetical Cards, c.1940 • Wild Flower Sevens card game, 1960 • Snip Snap, 1968 • Learn Thai Playing Cards, 2009 •

By Simon Wintle

Member since February 01, 1996

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Curator and editor of the World of Playing Cards since 1996.