The Times of Kamehameha The Great
Figures from Hawaiian history and scenes of everyday life designed by Joseph Feher.
It was during the reign of Kamehameha I (1753-1819) that the Hawaiian Islands were united and the Kingdom of Hawaii was established. The court cards represent different kings of the islands, their wives and a daughter, and four kahunas (experts in their roles as priests, artist-carvers, medical practitioners, house builders, canoe makers, etc.). On the Aces are local birds (S), fish (D), plants (H), and reef fauna and flora (C). Aspects of everyday life are pictured on the 2s and 6s, with further small decorative elements on all the remaining pip cards. The Jokers depict a sitting hula (dance) and a conch blower. The artist, Joseph Feher (1908-1987), was born in Hungary but lived and worked in Hawaii for many years. He was well known for his landscapes of Hawaii.
Above: The Times of Kamehameha The Great playing cards depicting figures from Hawaiian history and scenes of everyday life designed by Hungarian-born artist Joseph Feher (1908-1987). Maker unknown, 1984. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + leaflet in plastic box. Size: 57.5 x 89 mm.
The box is quite plain. The leaflet is one piece of paper which folds out.
By Roddy Somerville
France • Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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