Llombart pattern

Published June 11, 2022 Updated June 12, 2023

The Llombart pattern originated in Spain during the early 19th century.

1820 Spain Anton Llombart Llombart Pattern

The Llombart pattern originated in Spain

During the early 19th century several Spanish manufacturers were producing finely engraved packs (Clemente Roxas, Josef Monjardín, Martínez de Castro) and Anton Llombart was also in this group, producing several fancy costume packs. This particular design has become known as the “Llombart pattern” as it was copied by manufacturers in several other countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Mexico). As can be seen, all the cavaliers and sotas (Jacks) wear hats with conspicuous feathers and many of the figures wear white breeches.

cards from a pack made by Anton Llombart, Barcelona, 1822 © The Trustees of the British Museum

Above: cards from a pack made by Anton Llombart, Barcelona, dated 1822. © The Trustees of the British Museum number 1896,0501.1343


Anonymous versions of the Llombart pattern.

Anonymous Llombart pattern pack, c.1830. © The Trustees of the British Museum

Above: cards from a Llombart pattern which is very similar to the Mexican pack (shown below) 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

Anonymous Llombart pattern pack, c.1830. © The Trustees of the British Museum

Above: an uncut sheet of 8 playing-cards which correspond with the Llombart pattern executed at Frankfurt for the Spanish market, 19th century. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number 1896,0501.1220

Anonymous Llombart pattern pack, c.1830. © The Trustees of the British Museum

Above: an anonymous uncut sheet of 20 playing-cards which correspond with the Llombart pattern, 19th century. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number 1883,1110.135

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.

Cards from a Mexican pack c.1835; maker unknown

Image credit: Dudley Ollis.

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By Simon Wintle

Member since February 01, 1996

Founder and editor of the World of Playing Cards since 1996. He is a former committee member of the IPCS and was graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal for many years. He has lived at various times in Chile, England and Wales and is currently living in Extremadura, Spain. Simon's first limited edition pack of playing cards was a replica of a seventeenth century traditional English pack, which he produced from woodblocks and stencils.

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