Bolognese pattern

These are standard Bolognese designs by the well-known maker Murari of Bari. They closely resemble those of the Tarocco Bolognese. The King of Cups in this pack is in fact a strange amalgamation of the King and Queen of Cups from the Tarocco Bolognese, with elements from both cards. Note, too, the almost closed eyes of the Jack (or Fante) of Batons (his eyes are wide open on more modern packs). The maker’s name appears on the Ace of Coins and again on the 4 of Coins. Also on the Ace of Coins are two stamps: the first is a date stamp (14 DIC. 906), while the second is a tax stamp (this one was in use from 1883 to 1914).

At this time (1906), turn-over edges were still being used, as this gave the cards added durability: this means that the back paper was folded over onto the front of the card on all four sides, sometimes obscuring part of the design on the front (see, for instance, the Jack of Cups, part of whose headgear and feather is covered by the turn-over edge).

Above: Bolognese pattern or Primiera Bolognese made by Cav. Guglielmo Murari, Bari, Italy, 1906. 40 cards. Size: 49 x 103 mm.