Deco Playing Cards’ debut deck is inspired by one of the oldest-known deck of 52 playing cards from Mamluk Egypt, discovered in a museum in Istanbul. The artist of our deck is Dave Boyd, and the designer of our custom tuck box is Katy Orr.
Vegetation is an important feature in this early deck, so we have assigned a plant important to the culture and economy of Islamic empires, visible in the backgrounds and in the hands of the Queens: the Lotus for the Hearts, the Blue Egyptian Water Lily for Diamonds, the Poppy for Clubs, and the Cumin Flower for Spades.
Additionally, the original deck had different suits, which we have assigned to the Kings: the Spades shows the King of Swords, the Clubs shows the King of Polo Sticks, the Diamonds shows the King of Coins, and the Hearts shows the King of Cups.
Features:
- Printed by the USPCC on Bicycle® stock with a linen finish.
- Fully custom court cards, pips, back, and tuck case.
- Includes a card explaining how to play “Kout,” a bidding game.
- Info card with an explanation of the modified suits, and a backer thank-you.
The face cards in Sultana feature both an architectural frame and floral motif:
- Spades: Cumin Flower motif, and the sultan holds a sword.
- Hearts: Lotus motif, and the sultana holds a cup.
- Diamonds: Egyptian Blue Water Lily motif, and the sultan holds coins.
- Clubs: Poppy motif, and the sultan holds a polo stick. - Clubs: Poppy motif, and the sultan holds a polo stick.
KickStarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/661632156/sultana-playing-cards-inspired-by-ancient-deck-usp
