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.
Utamaro “Ukiyo-e” playing cards
Utamaro Ukiyo-e playing cards showing woodblock prints of beautiful women.
Vaivorykste (The Rainbow)
Vaivorykštė ('the Rainbow') playing cards manufactured in Lithuania by Spindulys, 1930s. The deck has been reprinted by Fournier (Spain, 2004) and also in Lithuania.
Versailles
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by Matt Probert
Sumptuous ‘Versailles’ playing cards created by Matéjà and printed by B. P. Grimaud, c.1970
Vitrail‒Bridge, 1991
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by Simon Wintle
Playing cards inspired by stained glass, designed by Gertrud Kümpel-Amsler, 1991.
Waisenfond
Intended to attract donations on behalf of the Imperial Royal Austrian Military Widows’ and Orphans’ Fund, this elegant and refined deck was designed by Nellie Stern. The deck was printed by Ferdinand Piatnik & Söhne, Vienna in 1916.
Warburg Luxus Bridgekort
“Luxus Bridgekort” was specially designed by Barbara MacDonald in a vibrant Art Deco style for Warburg of Denmark in c.1930, and printed by Universal Playing Card Co. Ltd (England).
Whimsical Playing Cards
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by Simon Wintle
Whimsical Playing Cards by Turkish designer & illustrator Oksal Yesilok, 2016.
White Palekh
“White Palekh” was first published by the The Colour Printing Plant in St. Petersburg in 1982 with designs by Pavel Bazhenov.
