Transformation playing card
Transformation playing cards (sometimes referred to as a transformation deck when assembled into a compelete set) are a type of playing card where an artist incorporates the pips of the non-face cards into an artistic design. In a classical transformation playing card, the pips retain their standard position and coloration on the card. In a some variations, the pips may be different in size, location or color. There is debate as to whether these cards should be considered transformation playing cards. They are often referred to as semi-transformation playing cards.
History
By the 19th century, the standard form for playing cards had become fixed in most of Europe and America. Frech cards used hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs. German cards used acordns, leaves, hearts and bells. It was at this time that designers in Germany, France and England began to draw small figures around the pips.
The first transformation playing cards were created by D.W. Soltan and D. Berger in 1801 as illustrations for a German edition of Hudibras. The cards illustrated were the 2 of hearts, 3 of hearts, 5 of hearts and 8 of hearts.[1] The first complete set of transformed cards to be published were designed by John Nixon in 1803. Titled Metastasis, this collection was also published as illustrations on sheets of paper.[2] In 1804, the first set of transformation cards to be published as an actual deck of cards appeared in Germany. Named "Jean d'arc," it was created by J.C. Cotta and featured Joan of Arc as a theme. Joan of Arc, herself, was featured on the Queen of spades.[3]
Transformed cards were particularly popular in Victorian England. Their influence can be seen in John Tenniel's illustrations for Through the Looking Glass. Noted novelist and gambler William Makepeace Thackeray designed 21 card himself.[4]
Notes
- ^ Field, Albert (1987). Transformation Playing Cards. U.S. Games Systems, Inc. pp. 6–7. ISBN 0-88079-033-4.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Field, Albert (1987). Transformation Playing Cards. U.S. Games Systems, Inc. pp. 12–14. ISBN 0-88079-033-4.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Field, Albert (1987). Transformation Playing Cards. U.S. Games Systems, Inc. pp. 16–18. ISBN 0-88079-033-4.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Dawe, Nicholas (1992). The Key to the Kingdom. Running Press. pp. 5–7. ISBN 1-56138-072-5.
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References
Field, Albert (1987). Transformation Playing Cards. U.S. Games Systems, Inc. ISBN 0-88079-033-4. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
Dawe, Nicholas (1992). The Key to the Kingdom. Running Press. ISBN 1-56138-072-5. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
"The World of Transformation Playing Cards". The World of Playing Cards. Retrieved 2007-06-25. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
"Transforming Playing Cards". The Marine Stewardship Counsel. Retrieved 2007-06-25. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
"Transformation Playing Cards - what are they?". Games et al. Retrieved 2007-06-25. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
External Links
The International Playing Card Society - Gallery of various transformations of the four of diamonds.