The History of Playing Cards
Jeu de la Géographie
“Jeu de Géographie” educational playing cards etched by Stefano Della Bella and published in c.1644.
Johannes Müller c.1840
Facsimile edition of Swiss suited deck first published by Johannes Müller in c.1840.
John Llewellyn, playing card manufacturer, London, 1778-1785
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by Simon Wintle
John Llewellyn, playing card manufacturer, London, 1778-1785
Kriegs-Spiel by Peter Schencken, Amsterdam
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by Simon Wintle
Peter Schencken of Amsterdam copied the "Jeu de la Guerre" or "Das Kriegs-Spiel" (with German captions) originated by Gilles de La Boissière and published by Mariette in 1668 in Paris.
Languedoc pattern - Portrait de Languedoc
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by Simon Wintle
The old Languedoc pattern was known at the beginning of the seventeenth century, if not before.
Le Monde Primitif Tarot
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by Simon Wintle
Facsimile edition produced by Morena Poltronieri & Ernesto Fazioli of Museo Internazionale dei Tarocchi, 2021.
Lombardy (or Milanesi) pattern
The origins of the Lombardy pattern probably lie in the early 19th century when it was a full-length design. It has some affinities with the French Provence and Lyons patterns which are now obsolete.
Lyon Pattern type iii
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by Simon Wintle
This pattern was used in various parts of eastern France but was ultimately replaced by the official ‘Paris’ pattern in c.1780.
Malta
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by Simon Wintle
The so-called ‘Dragon Cards’, with winged monsters on the four Aces, are an enigmatic aspect of early playing card history.
Mamluk Playing Cards
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by Simon Wintle
Nã'ib, the game of lieutenants... these cards are amongst the earliest Arabic playing cards extant.
Mapuche Indian Playing Cards
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by Simon Wintle
Spanish-suited playing cards made on rawhide and said to have been used by Chilean Mapuche Indians, XVI-XVII century
Master of the Banderoles
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by Simon Wintle
Playing Cards by the Master of the Banderoles, one of the earliest professional printmakers, c.1470.
Master of the Playing Cards
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by Simon Wintle
Animal suited playing cards engraved by the Master of the Playing Cards, Germany, c.1455
Mathematical Instruments
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by Simon Wintle
Mathematical Instruments playing cards forming an instrument maker's trade catalogue, Thomas Tuttell, c.1700.
Minchiate Fiorentine, 17th C.
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by Simon Wintle
17th century Minchiate cards reprinted from the original woodblocks.