The Art & Design of Playing Cards
The playing card calls for artistic treatment and although the constrained size imposes some limitations there is an almost bewildering wealth and variety of designs in playing cards and their tuck boxes. The serious player requires design to be unobtrusive so that aesthetic considerations remain in the background. However, with modern manufacturing technology more eye-catching designs are becoming popular as gifts, collectibles and for their attractive appearance.
Non-standard deck by Maillard
Attractive deck by the Portuguese maker Maillard, c.1885 with scenic aces and German-style courts
Otto Tragy Jugendstil Spielkarten
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by Simon Wintle
Special Jugendstil playing cards designed by Otto Tragy and first published by Altenburger Spielkartenfabrik Schneider & Co. in c.1898.
-playing-cards-with-wüst-courts/images/rijks-1.7fd01c2e.jpg "Oude Kunst (Old Art) playing cards with Wüst courts")
Oude Kunst (Old Art) playing cards with Wüst courts
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by Paul Symons
made for export to the Netherlands.
Owen Jones (1809-1874)
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by Simon Wintle
Owen Jones (1809-1874) was a Welsh architect and interior designer who designed the backs of playing cards for Thomas de la Rue.
Past-L-Eze Playing Cards
On “Past-L-Eze” playing cards Kings, Queens and Jacks are no longer stodgy and conventional but pleasingly reflect suspicion, flirtation and worry.
Pekelna Horugva
“Pekelna Horugva” is the second deck designed by Ukrainian illustrator Vladislav Erko, manufactured by Nage Cards, Saint-Petersburg, 2012
Pirate Playing Cards
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by Simon Wintle
A recurring motif is the symbolism of life and death, playfully rendered in these marvellous cards, including plenty of sabres and skeletons!
Pirates et Corsaires
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by Matt Probert
“Pirates et Corsaires” playing cards illustrated by Jean Bruneau, 1984.
