Chao (Han Purple)

China’s extraordinary history dates back to more than 5000 years and provides a rich collection of royal subjects which forms the basis of the Chao Playing Cards. The Han Purple edition CHAO playing cards has a limited production run of 2500. Over the lengthy span of Chinese history, each Chao (which is the pronounced word for dynasty in the Chinese language) is distinguished by the name and the impact of the individuals that ruled over that period of time. This very special and unique deck of cards pays tribute to four of the greatest and most recognized dynasties in Chinese history – Han, Tang, Ming and Qing. Each dynasty has an outstanding and reputable Emperor, Empress and General, each with their own notorious traits and fascinating stories. The CHAO depict these influential men and women that were renowned and celebrated from each of the four famous dynasties. This is the fifth edition of the CHAO playing card deck series which takes on a Han purple color. Purple is a very important and traditional color in China and used in ancient and imperial China from the Western Zhou period (1045–771 BC) until the end of the Han dynasty (circa 220 AD). Han purple was first used in paints in the Qin dynasty for the Terracotta Army in the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang symbolizing luxury and strong status. This symbolism comes from the Emperor period when the king’s advisors were dressed in purple. Also, in ancient Chinese myths, especially those related to Taoism, fairies often dressed in purple. The Han purple is used on the card backs and also on the tuck box where it is also embossed and imperially gold foil stamped. There is a limited production of 2500 decks only on this edition. Never to be produced again. So once they are sold out they’re gone. To capture the essence of each dynasty, much time and resource was put into the research part of this project. The illustrations and design takes inspiration from not only the renowned rulers of the four Dynasties but also from Chinese culture itself, which is visible throughout the deck.