Queen of Columbines
Five of Columbines
Ten of Columbines
Valet of Parrots
Nine of Parrots
King of Parrots
King of Hares
Knave of Hares
Valet of Hares
King of Roses
Queen of Roses
Ace of Roses
Three of Carnations
Valet of Carnations
Ace of Carnations
This engraved set of round playing cards was made by Monogrammist (Master) PW of Cologne in about 1500.
"The set is divided into five different groups (roses, columbines, carnations, parrots, hares) and each suite has ten numbers and four figures (king, queen, valet, knave)."In addition to the base set of seventy cards, there were two further cards whose function is unknown. Just over half of the deck owned by the British Museum has survived and all their remaining cards have been posted online at the Prints Database (if that link doesn't work, search with 'Monogrammist PW' in the free text field on the advanced search page). {a few of the above images had some stains removed}
Trifoni have a horrible framed site but a wealth of early card history, including a complete copy of the Master PW series reproduced from a 1970s facsimile printing.
Very cool: this is the first deck like this I’ve seen. Apparently Swiss-German playing cards have a suit of roses (along with bells, acorns and shields), but there don't, alas, seem to be any modern decks with parrots, hares, columbines or carnations as suits.
ReplyDeleteExcellent find, Master PK.
ReplyDeleteMy word, those are beautiful. I might have to go find the reprint and make up some card games.
ReplyDeleteThose are really fascinating. I love the idea of suits of things like parrots, hares, columbines, acorns, and whatnot.
ReplyDeleteGreat job! THey are beautiful.
ReplyDeletethose cards are really gorgeous.
ReplyDeletethere's something phallic about the carnations though :-)
A minor thought but with 72 cards you have a mighty fine tarot deck. It wouldn't be the first time one such deck has been disguised as a playing card deck. OTOH a 5 suit playing card deck would be make any older card game very interesting.
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