National Playing Cards by Theory11

Above: plastic seal which continues the theme of symbolism, including a skull, dagger, eye and stars, with the text "seek" and "find, as well as "expose cheaters" and "have fun, don't lie. See the seal on the box.

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Artist and entrepreneur Adam Moor (also known as Harold Apples) collaborated with Theory11 and Studio on Fire to produce this ultra-intricate deck of luxury playing cards in 2019. Moor considers himself a nighttime illustrator for projects of all sorts, and spends his days as an Art Director for Lonely Planet.

On the production of the deck, Moor says "originally I was planning on producing a deck on my own. I started approaching letterpress studios who were making decks and I stumbled upon Studio on Fire who produces all of the tuck cases for Theory11".

Theory11 adds "each tuck case is embossed and detailed with striking gold and black foil, inside and out" and "you will not find a more perfect deck of cards for magic, cardistry or poker."

The courts and aces have fully custom designs, and the number cards also have flourishes. The deck has gold inks throughout the artwork, enhancing the retro style artwork.

Moor explains "I had been playing around with this flat, sort of retro, very textured illustration style. Over time the deck morphed into a secret society tribute. I got obsessed with working in a ridiculous amount of symbology to basically make the Illuminati’s official deck of cards.

About halfway through the process, Moor says "we decided to name the deck National as a tribute to the long gone National Playing Card Company that produced beautiful decks until the late 1800’s".

Theory11 focuses on the production of luxury decks such as Monarchs and film franchises such as Marvel's Avengers.

There are 56 cards in the deck: 52 playing cards, 2 jokers, 2 gaff cards. The gaff cards serve as advertisements for Theory11, with their slogan "the ultimate high-end luxury playing cards". See the gaffs .