Cartes Catalanes by Fossorier, Amar et Cie
‘Cartes Catalanes’ published by Fossorier, Amar et Cie (Paris)
In France there is a unique card pattern called the ‘French Catalan’ pattern, which is predominantly found in a small area in the south-west of the country, the Catalan region of Roussillon. These designs have their roots in the traditional Spanish National pattern which was also manufactured in France in the Perpignan area but has since become stylised. Interestingly, the jack of coins holds a French hunting horn in his left hand, adding a touch of local flavor. All the jacks and cavaliers are standing on a small area of scenery. The kings are depicted with beards and long robes that cover their legs and feet entirely, with no scenery. One distinctive feature is the cat on the four of coins, and of course, the preserved line-breaks (known as 'pintas') in the borders of the cards.
The arms of the city of Paris and the name of the publisher appear on the ace of coins and the publisher’s name is also printed on each of the 12 court cards.



Above: ‘Cartes Catalanes’ published by Fossorier, Amar et Cie (Paris), c.1900. 48 cards, colour lithography. Blue tax stamp dated 1890 on the two of Swords. Source gallica.bnf.fr / Bibliothèque nationale de France • Jeu de cartes au portrait espagnol dites "catalanes"►
Ducale, a subsidiary of France Cartes under Cartamundi, is the last known producer of this particular card pattern.

By Simon Wintle
Member since February 01, 1996
Founder and editor of the World of Playing Cards since 1996. He is a former committee member of the IPCS and was graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal for many years. He has lived at various times in Chile, England and Wales and is currently living in Extremadura, Spain. Simon's first limited edition pack of playing cards was a replica of a seventeenth century traditional English pack, which he produced from woodblocks and stencils.
Related Articles

Le Journal de Mickey
Perforated sheet of cards with Disney characters issued with the magazine Le Journal de Mickey.

Tarot hiéroglyphique égyptien
The design of the cards draws inspiration from various religious and philosophical traditions merged...

La Réussite (Sébastien Féraut)
Sébastien Féraut’s designs inspired by the animal kingdom for a set promoting patience games.

Le Tarot de Sète
Reinterpretation of the Tarot de Marseille by Julien Labat, an artist from Sète.

Oracle Rock
Cartomantic set depicting rock and pop stars, designed by La Rata, with a book by Virginie Despentes...

Jeu Numismatique
European coins of all periods replace the traditional courts and pips.

Jeu Philatélique
Cards with French postage stamps featuring famous literary figures.

Tarot Philatélique
Tarot game pack with French postage stamps on all the courts, aces and trumps.

Jeu Philatélique – Les Colonies Françaises
Philatelic card game featuring real postage stamps from the French colonies.

Tarot Actuel 1984
Major arcana to cut out, issued with the French magazine Actuel, using photographic images.

Spanish pattern by Eugène Boisse
Spanish pattern published by Eugène Boisse, Bordeaux.

Catalan pattern by B.P Grimaud
Standard Spanish Catalan pattern deck made in Paris by B.P Grimaud.

Cartes politiques : Jeu d'actualité
Political playing cards published by Grimaud et Chartier, Paris, 1872.

Le Poker Politique
French politicians and various world leaders caricatured by the German artist Bubec.

Swiss playing cards by Iehan Hemau
17th century Swiss-suited playing cards by Iehan Hemau of Épinal.

SCOR playing cards
Bizarre and fantastical images by the artist Roland Topor for the SCOR reinsurance company.
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 28 days