Sevilla 1647 reproduction

This interesting reproduction is of an antique Spanish pack from the Museo Fournier de Naipes de Álava. The Spanish coat of arms can be seen on the ace and 2 of coins and the four of cups. The initials 'AS' can be seen on the ace of cups (with 'SA' on the three of clubs), while the date 1647 can be found on several cards. The legend "Con Licencia del Rey" and En Sevilla referring to the royal monopoly can be noted on several other cards, and the signatures on many cards are proof of taxes paid. Several card designs include small children cavorting between the suit symbols, a feature often found in early Spanish-suited cards. These facsimile cards have a matt finish and a modern back design advertising the playing-card museum and the Archaeology Museum which are now in adjoining buildings. There is an extra card with text in Basque and Spanish. See the box and extra card

Above: facsimile edition of archaic Spanish-suited woodblock and stencil pack produced in Sevilla, dated 1647, published by Museo Fournier de Naipes de Álava, c.2009.