Estelares
Naipes Estelares playing cards manufactured by Luis A. Fourvel y Cia., Buenos Aires, early 1950s.
Naipes Estelares
Double set of 'Naipes Estelares' playing cards for Bridge and Canasta manufactured by Luis A. Fourvel y Cía., Buenos Aires, early 1950s. A novel aspect of the design is that the numeral cards 2-10 plus the four Queens have fashionable female portraits whilst the Jacks and Kings are b/w outline drawings only. On this basis only two colours were used for the whole pack. Large suit symbols appear in each top right-hand corner. The smoke from the Joker's cigarette contains an interesting shape and the captions suggest that “life is only smoke”...
Above: cards from double set of 'Naipes Estelares' playing cards manufactured by Luis A. Fourvel y Cía., Buenos Aires, early 1950s. The backs are plain green or brown. The box states that this is the first edition. The manufacturer's distribution agent, Gutierrez Delmué y Cía, is mentioned on the Aces of Hearts and Spades, and the 2 Jokers and extra card.
See also: Fourvel homepage • Side Car • Side Car Spanish-suited • Naipynt • Side Car Genoese style
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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