José Maria Durán
Spanish Catalan pattern by José Maria Durán, Barcelona, c.1870.
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►
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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