Here's a write-up I did about this project, along with some more pictures. Gorgeous stuff!
Kickstarter: 19th century Dondorf "Four Continents" Luxury Playing Cards
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pl ... ying-cards
Limited Edition "Deck No. 207" - originated in Frankfurt 1870 - reproduction by AZURED OX and Will Roya, printed by USPCC
Cost: US$14 per deck
Current funding level: over 200% funded
Project ends: October 10, 2022
Ad copy: "
We are delighted to announce another historical deck restoration by AZURED OX. This is a revived 1870 luxury deck that tells the story of four "corners" of the world. Introducing - The Dondorf's "Four Continents" Luxury Playing Cards Collection."
This beautiful and historic deck was originally printed in 1870 by Bernhard Dondorf. Dondorf's luxury playing card factory was founded in Frankfurt in 1833, and produced playing cards for about a century. Even today Dondorf playing cards are highly recognizable and collectible, and noted for their attractive artwork.
Three versions of this deck are being produced as part of this project. The first two are a red and blue version.
A limited edition copper version will have some unique features that helps set it apart from the other two.
The tuck case is based on historical Dondorf boxes and inspired by various antique references.
The tuck box seals are custom made, and based on antique stamp marks seen in various playing cards from Dondorf, and captures their early 20th century dragon symbol and logo.
The back design is closely based on the Dondorf originals, but has been adjusted to ensure that they are symmetrical aside from the BD monogram in the center. Metallic inks are being used on the card backs for extra luxury.
The court cards depict figures dressed in clothing from their corresponding part of the world, with each suit representing a different continent, along with an influencing country and religion:
β Clubs: America - story of Spanish Influence / Catholicism
β Diamonds: Europe - story of French Influence / Protestantism
β Spades: Africa - story of Turkish Influence / Islam
β Hearts: Asia - story of Indian Influence / Hinduism
Each of the numbered cards include illustrations that relate to the theme and story of each suit/continent. These pictures are painted in Grisaille style - a method of painting in gray monochrome, typically to imitate sculpture.
The original deck is from around 1870, which dates from around the time when indices were being popularized, and in Europe these were typically on all four corners, as with this deck. This does mean the deck can be fanned in both directions, and the indices are still always visible.
The gorgeous Aces are one of the highlights of this deck, and each also captures aspects of the theme unique to its corresponding suit.
The Jokers represent restored versions of original Jokers used by Dondorf.
Also included are 2 double sided extra cards which have the descriptions of individual cards inside the deck. The text on these cards reproduces Dondorf's "Four Continents" playing cards leaflet that came with the original box.
Here's an overall summary of the main features:
β Historical luxury playing cards collection of 3 poker-sized decks
β Design strictly based on B. Dondorf's originals from 19th century
β Unique artwork on every card, digitally hand-restored and designed by AZURED OX
β Standard red & blue index editions: "Four Corners" Dondorf's small index pips
β Limited rare non-index edition: special copper metallic ink tuck case
β 52 cards + 2 jokers + 2 double sided extra "description" cards
β Symmetrically adjusted card backs printed with metallic inks
β Custom oval-shaped Dondorf tuck seals
β Printed by United States Playing Card Company (USPCC) on professional classic stock + embossed (linen) finish
β Produced by Will Roya, and fulfillment by PlayingCardDecks.com
Gilded versions of each deck will also be available as add ons for backers.
Project link
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pl ... ying-cards
@playingcardophile
