Karl Gerich No.3

Published July 11, 2012 Updated July 09, 2022

Four Elements is Karl's third attempt at manufacturing playing cards.

1982 United Kingdom Gerich Karl Karl Gerich

Karl Gerich No.3: “Four Elements”, 1982

Supernatural forms from a world we don't understand...

Four Elements is Karl's third attempt at manufacturing playing cards. An original design based around the theme of the four elements of earth, wind, fire and water, we have twelve single-ended courts, hand-coloured in strong yellows and oranges, with red and pale lilac. Some areas are left uncoloured. The suit sign is set top left in a gold circle. Heart and diamonds have been coloured red while the spades and clubs suit signs are uncoloured. Some of the figures are half human / half beast: the Queens of spades and diamonds have mermaid tails while hearts and clubs have bird legs; the Jacks are mounted on strange monsters while the Kings have mythical or grotesque animals at their feet. Each card has a narrow gold painted border.

Karl Gerich No.3: Four Elements

Above: a hand-coloured, uncut proof sheet of Karl Gerich's No.3 playing cards based on the theme of the four elements, copper etching, 1983. Each card measures 45mm x 80mm. Images courtesy Daphne & Mike Tregear.   (click image to zoom)

Karl Gerich No.3: Four Elements

Above: another proof sheet, signed and dated 1982. Image courtesy David & Jackie Butler.

References:

♠ Tregear, Mike and Daphne, "Karl Gerich: Card Designer and Maker", privately published.

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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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