Baraja de Amor

Published May 10, 2010 Updated March 31, 2022

Hijos de José Garcia Taboadela was a book-seller who also published this charming pack of lovers' fortune telling cards in 1871.

1871 Spain Hijos de José Garcia Taboadela Cartomancy Spanish Suited
Baraja de Amor, Hijos de Taboadela, Malaga, Spain 1871

Baraja de Amor, Hijos de Taboadela, 1871

A deck for lovers, titled “Baraja de Amor para Entretenimiento y Recreo de las Tertulias” published by Hijos de José Garcia Taboadela, Calle de Granada No.38, Málaga (Spain), 1871

Hijos de José Garcia Taboadela were book-sellers who also published this charming pack of lovers' fortune telling cards in 1871. The subtitle of the deck, "para entretenimiento y recreo de las tertulias" means "for entertainment and recreation at social gatherings". The ace of coins, also shown on the box (left), is based on that of Fournier Hermanos (Burgos) who had recently commenced manufacturing playing cards. Each card features a Question and Answer relating to matters of the heart in the form of four-line poems, with a Spanish-suited playing card in the centre. 48 cards, size of each card = 68 x 47 mms.

Baraja de Amor, Hijos de Taboadela, Malaga, Spain 1871 Baraja de Amor, Hijos de Taboadela, Malaga, Spain 1871

Above: cards from "Baraja de Amor para Entretenimiento y Recreo de las Tertulias" published by Hijos de Taboadela, Calle de Granada No.38, Malaga (Spain), 1871


Cartomantic meanings of Spanish playing cards by Benita the Witch (XVI century), published by Chocolates Nelia, c.1932
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By Simon Wintle

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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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