José Maria Durán

A brightly cloured edition of the Spanish Catalan pattern produced by José Maria Durán, Barcelona, c.1870. Lettering on the 4 of cups reads "De Una hoja por José Maria Duran. Barcelona" while a butterfly trademark can be seen on the four of coins.

In the 19th century, the Catalan-style playing card pattern (also known as the Barcelona pattern) experienced a rise in popularity and production, although the origins of the designs can be traced back to medieval times. During this era, printing presses and card manufacturers primarily in Catalonia but also in other regions produced these decks in inceasing quantities. It is now regarded as a standard pattern throughout Spain and beyond. Packs usually contain 40 or 48 cards.

Above: Spanish Catalan pattern by José Maria Durán, Barcelona, c.1870. 48 cards, stencil-coloured lithograph, backs printed in black with a pattern of small suns and diagonal broken lines. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number b1900,1231.1288.1-48►