All About Cards

The 550-Year-Old Playing Card Deck That May Have Mocked a Medieval Court

Four suits featuring dog collars, hunting horns, hound tethers, and bird nooses make up the 550-year-old Cloisters Playing Cards. Hand-painted with gold leaf and opaque pigments, this perfectly preserved 52-card medieval deck offers a rare glimpse into 15th-century luxury, complete with face cards that subtly poke fun at aristocratic fashion.

Unveiling the Intriguing Origins of Playing Card Nicknames

Playing cards have been a source of entertainment and fascination for centuries. While we commonly refer to them by their suits and ranks, these beloved cards have also acquired a plethora of intriguing and evocative nicknames over time.