Jeu de Cartes de Tahiti
Courts and Aces inspired by Polynesian history and culture designed by Michèle Feltrin.
Tahiti is the largest and most populous island in French Polynesia. The designs on the court cards were all inspired by Polynesian history and culture. They are named “Arii” (= king or chief), “Arii Vahine” (= chief’s wife), and “Aito” (= warrior). The designer of these cards, Michèle Feltrin, studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Toulouse before teaching visual arts herself. Important sources of inspiration for her include Venice, the Greek Islands, and French Polynesia where she lived for many years. She is particularly known for her watercolours.
Above: Jeu de Cartes de Tahiti designed by Michèle Feltrin and made by Héron, Bordeaux, France, for Les Editions du Lézard, c1983. 52 cards + 2 (identical) Jokers + 1 title card in clear plastic box. Size: 57 x 87 mm.
By Roddy Somerville
Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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