Translucent Playing Cards, c.1850
Cards from a translucent pack. Erotic images are concealed in the middle layer of the card and become visible when held up to a light.
Translucent Erotic Playing Cards, prob French, c.1850To the unsuspecting viewer the cards look like normal 19th century French playing cards... until they are held up to the light. Warning: you must be over 18 years of age to use your mouse on this page. Viewers may find these cards offensive; they are shown here as an example of mid-nineteenth century Parisian playing card manufacture. |
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Above: Five cards from a translucent erotic pack. When the cards are held up to a strong enough light, a whole orgy is revealed… the erotic images are concealed in the middle layer of the card and become visible when held up to a light. (Do not hold your laptop up to the light, just move the mouse over a card!) See page 2. Cards courtesy of Udi from California. |
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Looking from our age of Internet-facilitated sexual disinhibition and freedom of expression these mid-nineteenth century French erotic playing cards were no doubt aimed to titillate if not actively arouse the libidinal forces of nature. On the other hand, they might be offensive to some viewers, even today. See page 2
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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