Masonic Playing Cards
A set of playing cards designed by Julien Lebleu, an original work in the history of Freemasonry. Jeu de cartes conçu par Julien Lebleu, oeuvre originale dans l'histoire de la Franc-maçonnerie.
Jeu de cartes conçu par Julien Lebleu, oeuvre originale dans l'histoire de la Franc-maçonnerie. A set of playing cards designed by Julien Lebleu, an original work in the history of Freemasonry.
The Valet of Spades (right) depicts a companion of The Work holding a retort
symbolizing the hard work that must be completed in order to glimpse the final goal.
This attractive pack commemorating the history of freemasonry has the Kings as masters of the lodge, the Queens and Jacks are other masonic officers while the Jokers are two operative masons. The deck contains two interpretation cards explaining the meaning of the Masonic symbolism►
Above: 'Masonic' playing cards commemorating the history of freemasonry designed by Julien Lebleu, printed by J.-M. Simon (B.P. Grimaud), Paris, France, 1980. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + interpretation cards.
REFERENCES
• Masonic Playing Cards by Yasha Beresiner.
• See also: Goodall's Royal Masonic playing cards designed by John Leighton, 1886
By Simon Wintle
Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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