Three Kingdoms

Published April 26, 2012 Updated April 23, 2022

One of an extensive range of Chinese historical, art and culture playing cards, Three Kingdoms playing cards describes the historical story of the Three Kingdoms period, the political and military struggles between the contending rulers.

China HCG Matches Souvenir

‘Three Kingdoms’ ~ Chinese Imperial Culture Playing Cards

by HCG Poker Productions

One of an extensive range of Chinese historical, art and culture playing cards, Three Kingdoms playing cards describes the historical story of the Three Kingdoms period, the political and military struggles between the contending rulers.

The three countries began in 220, Cao Pi Shouchan proclaimed himself emperor...  read Wikipedia article →

Three Kingdoms playing cards describing the story of the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history

Above: ‘Three Kingdoms’ ~ Chinese Imperial Culture Playing Cards produced by HCG Poker Productions. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + extra card in special box. All the captions on the cards and box are in Chinese, but the indexes and suit symbols are European. Card size: 63x88mm, 300 grams high-end poker cardboard. Limited edition of 5,000.


Matchbox Labels

Jining Huochai Matchbox labels: Characters of the Water Margin

Above: Jining Huochai Matchbox labels: Characters of the Water Margin 水滸撲克. Courtesy Rex Pitts.

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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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