Four Continents playing cards

An exotic pack of playing cards created in about 1880 by Fulladosa y Comp of Barcelona, Spain.

Each suit depicts figures from a different continent which is indicated on the ace of that suit. Swords is Europe, Cups is Africa, Clubs is America and Coins is Asia. The cards were designed by Miguel Cabanach and are printed from woodcuts with stencil colouring. The makers name is found on the 4 of cups.

Very similar packs were printed by Daveluy of Bruges, Belgium and Lopez y Comp. of Barcelona, Spain.

Below: the 4 of cups and reverse of the cards.

References: Fournier 452, La Sota 43 No.11-1-47, Cartorama 62 (267)

All cards shown are from the collection of Paul Symons ©