Tô Tôm №1204

Published October 21, 2017 • Updated December 28, 2024

Tô Tôm is played with a 120-card Chinese-style deck.

Tô Tôm №1204 cards manufactured by A. Camoin & Cie, Marseille, for French colonies. Tô Tôm is played with a 120-card Chinese-style deck and is derived from the Chinese game of Khanhoo. The head and foot of each card gives the rank and suit in Chinese characters.

Tô Tôm cards manufactured by A. Camoin & Cie, Marseille, c.1900

Above: Tô Tôm cards manufactured by A. Camoin & Cie, Marseille, c.1900. During French colonial rule, the Marseilles firm Camoin redesigned the deck to depict people wearing traditional Japanese costumes from the Edo period. Images courtesy Ruth Mancino.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Vietnamese Tô Tôm playing cards is their cultural heritage and unique design. These cards are part of Vietnam's traditional games and reflect a blend of Chinese and Japanese influences. Historically, Tô Tôm cards were popular among the upper class and were considered an elegant game requiring intelligence and strategy

Chinese card game used at Haï-Phong, manufactured by Camoin (Marseille) c.1870 Source gallica.bnf.fr / BnF

Above: Chinese card game used at Haï-Phong, manufactured by Camoin (Marseille) c.1870. Woodcut in red and black; 8.3 x 2.3 cm; orange backs. Source gallica.bnf.fr / Bibliothèque nationale de France • Jeu de cartes chinois employé à Haï-Phong►

Further References

Bibliothèque nationale de France: Jeu de cartes chinois employé à Haï-Phong►

Wikipedia: Tổ tôm►

Above: Vietnamese card players, 1904.

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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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