Celtic Journey
Celtic Journey playing cards - where art and culture meet - designed by Carmen G. Carballeira, 2011
“Mythology is the drama of our own selves on the stage of antiquity...”
Celtic Journey - Irish Mythology playing cards
Illustrated by Carmen G. Carballeira
Above: Ace, Jack, Queen and King from two of the suits, and the two Jokers. The remaining two suits are shown below, with the back design.
Above: the entire deck is beautifully illustrated with vibrant colours and is accompanied by a GUIDEBOOK containing details about the artist and explanations of the court card personalities. The suit symbols are based on artefacts of Irish culture: Ardagh chalice, discovered in September 1868 in a ring fort at Reerasta, Ardagh, Limerich; Tara Broach, a Celtic broach of about 700 AD, found in Co Meath. Harp: for centuries, the harp has been a beloved emblem of Ireland. Celtic helmet: The Celts' protective armour included iron helmets. The back of the cards is based on the Battersea Shield (350 - 50 B.C.) found in the River Thames at Battersea Bridge, England, also of Celtic origin.
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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