Miniature playing cards by Joseph Fetscher
Uncut sheet of miniature Bavarian playing cards by Joseph Fetscher.
A 36-card miniature set of playing cards on an uncut sheet by Joseph Fetscher, Munich, early 19th century. Four German suits of 9 cards: (deuce, king, over-knave, under-knave, 6-10). Beneath the suit symbols on pip cards little vignettes illustrate simple ornamental scenes. The maker’s name can be found on the six of hearts. The four kings’ shields are not clearly visible. Cards measure 14 x 17 mm.
Above: uncoloured, uncut sheet of 36-card miniature playing cards by Joseph Fetscher, etching, Munich, 19th century. Backs marbled in green, red and yellow. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number 1896,0129.1.61►
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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