Rococco
Designed by Josef Maria Melchior Annen (1868-1954) who also designed several other packs for Müller & Cie.
“Rococco” designed by Melchior Annen
Rococo (or “Rococco”) was a style in the decorative arts characterized by elaborate but graceful ornamentation which originated in France and was widely used in Europe in the 18th century. It has been popular with playing card designers, including versions produced by Dondorf and Piatnik. This version was designed by artist, illustrator and graphic designer Josef Maria Melchior Annen (1868-1954) who designed several packs for Müller & Cie. Flamboyant clothing as well as vanity mirrors, duelling pistols, bouquets, wigs, fans and so on all evoke the era.
Also by Melchior Annen: Humanist Bridge • Richard Wagner • Casino.
Above: 'Rococco' playing cards designed by Melchior Annen, printed by Müller & Cie, c.1920s. Two different types of indices are known, but we are unsure of the dates. Patience versions were also produced.
Above: Patience No.98 based on “Rococco” designs.
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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