Rhineland Pattern by KZWP
Rhineland pattern by KZWP.


Above: Rhineland pattern with English indices printed by KZWP, c.1986. The ace of hearts, with the Cracow coat-of-arms, has a different font for the indices, and has four indices while the other cards all have two. Housed in an unmarked silk-lined bridge box with no indication of a brand name. Image courtesy Matt Probert.
Newer Design


Above: from an uncut sheeet of “Classic playing cards Nr.490” with decorative aces based on the Rhineland pattern printed by KZWP-Trefl, 2003.
Rhineland Pattern by F. X. Schmid for The Netherlands, c.1990


Above: Rhineland Pattern for The Netherlands by F. X. Schmid, c.1990.
Rhineland Pattern by Ferd Piatnik & Söhne, Vienna, 1996

Above: Rhineland Pattern for Copenhagen by Ferd Piatnik & Söhne, Vienna, 1996.

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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