Kem ‘Spanish’ playing cards
Kem ‘Spanish’ playing cards appear to depict Spanish conquistadors © 1994.
Kem Plastic Playing Cards, Scranton, Pennsylvania
Kem washable plastic playing cards prove to be very durable and even early examples are usually in near perfect condition. Even though they are relatively more expensive than normal decks, their longer lifetime makes them less expensive on a per play basis. Kem playing cards are normally in the Anglo-American pattern (Jumbo index decks are also available) but the ‘Spanish’ version shown here is unusual. Kem was acquired by the United States Playing Card Company in 2004.
Above: Kem Spanish playing cards with ‘Paisley’ back design, 48 cards + 2 Jokers + service card + information leaflet in plastic box, inside cardboard sleeve, 1994. The cards and the box are made from thermo-plastic materials (cellulose acetate) and are very durable. The non-traditional figures, which appear to depict Spanish ‘conquistadors’, have been designed using vector graphics software.
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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