Cartas Portuguezas

The Portuguese introduced their cards to Brazil but the use of the old Portuguese pattern died out towards the end of the 19th century. This is a late example of the Portuguese pattern. After this Belgian and German exports took over the market. Court cards are king, maid and knight. The maid of clubs no longer has a small dog at her feet but the maid of coins still holds a coffer or jewel case. The coin suit-marks have the form of rosettes, and the swords and clubs are arranged as trophies with shields. A cross-legged manikin sits behind the two of clubs. On the aces the suit-mark is held by a dragon.

Above: Portuguese pattern playing cards produced by woodblock and stencil in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, late 19th century. 48 cards, in original wrapper lettered “Cartas Portuguezas, Da R. F. do R_o de Janr_o”. The 6 of cups bears a cipher, "R.F" but the banners on the fours of coins and cups are empty. It is possible that this example was actually manufactured anonymously in Belgium. Backs printed in blue with a pattern of stars. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Cartas Portuguezas►

References

O’Donoghue, Freeman M: Catalogue of the collection of playing cards bequeathed by Lady Charlotte Schreiber, Trustees of the British Museum, London, 1901 (Portuguese 1) [digital version here]