The Ad Lucem decks that Ritu previously created under the Nova Lux label are absolutely stunning, and one of my favourite decks to show off when looking for something that shows the heights of luxury. The Taj Mahal project looks like it will have similarly lavish looks. Here's a write-up I did about the project, along with more pictures.
Kickstarter: Taj Mahal Playing Cards (by Nova Lux Decks)
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/no ... cards-deck
A luxury custom deck dedicated to the grand and majestic beauty of art during the Mughal Empire
Cost: US$15 Standard deck, US$28 Gilded deck
Funding level: already funded
Project ends: Tuesday, 23 September 2025
Artist Ritu and her husband Bivas make up the Old Gravity team that has produced a growing number of wonderful decks of luxury custom playing cards with the help of crowdfunding in recent years. Their latest project,
Taj Mahal Playing Cards, is being produced under the Nova Lux label, and sees them teaming up with project supervisor Manoj Aravindakshan and advisor Amit Mitra who is the curator of the Abundant Art Gallery in the UK. Decks previously produced by illustrator Ritu under this label include the stunning Ad Lucem Playing Cards and Renaissance Playing Cards; I'm fortunate to own copies of both.
As the name suggests, this deck is a tribute to the famous Taj Mahal, a World Heritage site and considered one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Originally commissioned in 1631 as a tomb for the emperor Shah Jahan's beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this beautiful building has enormous cultural and historical significance. it is considered to be the finest example of Mughal architecture, known for its perfect symmetry, intricate carvings, and use of white marble inlaid with precious stones. Such a reputation demands a custom deck of cards of the highest quality and excellence.
The project features two main editions that celebrate this classic landmark: a Day Edition and a Night Edition. Each of these comes in a standard version and a numbered version with edge gilding for collectors. But even the standard edition is luxurious, because all the cards are foil printed front and back.
Day Edition deck
The Day Edition has the impression of a duo-tone texture that alternates between blue and gold, which is matched by blue-cyan foil for the edge gilding of the gilded edition.
The artwork and design of the cards is inspired by patterns found in architecture and paintings of artists from the Mughal period.
The card backs feature a symmetrical floral design inspired by designs found at the Taj Mahal, and patterned gold features on the card backs and faces.
All the Aces have intricate designs that draw on patterns and motifs from the era.
The court cards feature royal characters dressed in opulent and richly embroidered garments, accompanied by elaborate ornaments and jewellery befitting of royalty, and evoking elegance and beauty.
The two Jokers function together to create a diptych that depicts the Taj Mahal, the Day Edition with gold foil.
Both the cards and the tuck box look absolutely gorgeous!
Night Edition deck
The Night Edition has a more silvery look.
It features copper foil set against black, and is matched by black foil for the edge gilding of the gilded edition.
Here's a look at some of the Aces.
The court cards correspond to those of the Day Edition, but with a different colour scheme.
The Night Edition's diptych of the two Jokers now features copper foil.
Both decks showcase some of the very best in artistic design, and are matched by levels of luxury and looks that only today's playing card technology can produce.
Collectors will almost certainly love them; I'm already in love just by looking at these pictures!
Kickstarter link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/no ... cards-deck
@playingcardophile
