Llombart pattern from Mexico
Cards from a Mexican pack c.1835; maker unknown.
Cards from a Mexican pack c.1835; maker unknown
These cards are of the 'Plumed Hat' or 'Llombart' pattern and were issued in support of the Mexican Federation. Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821. One year earlier, a popularist revolution overthrew the newly established Mexican Empire for a federated republic. Numerous civil wars ensued followed by a war against the USA in 1846-8 in which Mexico lost much territory. The particular event, if any, that gave rise to these cards is not known.
Image credit: Dudley Ollis.
An anonymous version of the Llombart pattern.
Above: cards from a Llombart pattern which is very similar to the Mexican pack (shown above) by an anonymous manufacturer. 48 cards, hand-coloured lithograph, backs printed in blue with a diagonal pattern of small circles formed of dots. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number 1938,0905.1.1-48►
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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