Piatnik Edition
The Flemish Hunting Deck -- Cloisters Playing Cards
52 cards

This is a facsimile reprint of the 15th century Flemish Hunting Deck, also called the Cloisters Playing Cards. This deck was made by Ferd. Piatnik & Söhne for the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. The original Flemish Hunting Deck is on display at The Cloisters (division of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art) and these facsimile cards were originally sold at the museum gift shop.

view expanded display

The original Flemish Hunting Deck constitute the only known complete 15th century illuminated set; 52 cards in all, the set comprises four suits, each with a king, queen, knave, and number cards from one through ten. The suit designations, unfamiliar from any other earlier playing cards, all pertain to equipment of the hunt: dog collars, tethers (for hounds), nooses (for birds and small game), and hunting horns (to sound the signal of the hunt). The suits are only partially distinguished by color: the collars and horns are both red, while the tethers and nooses are blue.

Constructed from four layers of paper that have been glued together, the cards are quite stiff. The designs were first outlined, then colored with a variety of pigments; silver and gold were applied as well. The elaborate costumes of the figures are characteristic of the high fashion for which the Burgundian court was renowned. This, together with the drawing style of the cards, suggests they were produced in the Southern Netherlands around 1470-80.

That so few early playing cards have survived make The Flemish Hunting Deck something of a phenomenon. That such an early set should remain not only complete but in nearly perfect condition as well would tend to suggest that the cards were never used for their intended purpose. This fortunate historical accident allows us a charming glimpse into the everyday life and ordinary diversions of the Burgundian Netherlands.

For more historic information, also check our History of Playing Cards page.