Portuguese pattern
19th century Portuguese pattern, re-printed from original woodblocks.
The Portuguese pattern
This “later” version of the old Portuguese pattern can be traced back to the 16th century when it was carried abroad by Spanish and Portuguese explorers. It was produced more recently by the Real Fabrica de Lisboa from c.1769 onwards and the pattern was manufactured elsewhere until the mid-19th century. It still has the ‘Dragon Aces’ which are now more like serpents, and the Maid of Clubs is about to hit a dog. The Maid of Coins holds what used to be a shield. The pattern was also made in Brazil, but a larger number of Belgian copies were produced in Turnhout until the early part of the 20th century, when the pattern died out.
Above: 19th century Portuguese pattern, cards re-printed from original woodblocks, published by Vito Arienti, Edizioni del Solleone, 1978. Similar to Spanish cards the courts are Sota (female page, no crown), Knight and King. There are no Queens! The Aces are dragons.
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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