The Cloisters set of fifty-two cards constitutes the only known complete deck of illuminated ordinary playing cards (as opposed to tarot cards) from the fifteenth century. There are four suits, each consisting of a king, queen, knave, and ten pip cards. The suit symbols, based on equipment associated with the hunt, are hunting horns, dog collars, hound tethers, and game nooses. The value of the pip cards is indicated by appropriate repetitions of the suit symbol. The figures, which appear to be based on Franco-Flemish models, were drawn in a bold, free, and engaging, if somewhat unrefined, hand. Their exaggerated and sometimes anachronistic costumes suggest a lampoon of extravagant Burgundian court fashions. Although some period card games are named, it is not known how they were played. Almost all card games did, however, involve some form of gambling. The condition of the set indicates that the cards were hardly used, if at all. It is possible that they were conceived as a collector’s curiosity rather than a deck for play.
The Cloisters (Ca. 1475–80)
Deck Imagery
Add Ace of Spades Image for:
The Cloisters (Ca. 1475–80)
Images should be 500px wide and 700px tall or in a similar ratio. All images will be converted to JPGs.
Check How to Photograph Playing Cards for tips on taking photos and also ensure all photos follow our Terms of Service
If a card image is incorrect - contact our support team and we will remove it
You must be logged in to add card imagery
Add Joker Image for:
The Cloisters (Ca. 1475–80)
Images should be 500px wide and 700px tall or in a similar ratio. All images will be converted to JPGs.
Check How to Photograph Playing Cards for tips on taking photos and also ensure all photos follow our Terms of Service
If a card image is incorrect - contact our support team and we will remove it
You must be logged in to add card imagery
Individual Card Imagery for:
The Cloisters (Ca. 1475–80)
Images should be 500px wide and 700px tall or in a similar ratio. All images will be converted to JPGs.
Check How to Photograph Playing Cards for tips on taking photos and also ensure all photos follow our Terms of Service
If a card image is incorrect - contact our support team and we will remove it
Court Cards
Additional Cards
Club Cards
Diamond Cards
Heart Cards
Spade Cards
Photo Gallery For:
The Cloisters (Ca. 1475–80)
All images will be converted to JPGs.
Check How to Photograph Playing Cards for tips on taking photos and also ensure all photos follow our Terms of Service
This is gallery is not for individual card images - if you'd like to add those - you can do that here
If you feel an image in this gallery is inappropriate - contact our support team and we will review it
You'll need to login to add gallery photos
Suggest New Front/Back Images for:
The Cloisters (Ca. 1475–80)
All images will be converted to JPGs.
Check How to Photograph Playing Cards for tips on taking photos and also ensure all photos follow our Terms of Service
If you feel a decks front or back image is inappropriate - contact our support team and we will review it
You must be logged in to suggest new deck imagery
The Cloisters (Ca. 1475–80)
This deck is currently in:
Deck Details
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- The Dukes of Burgundy
- Artist / Designer
- The Dukes of Burgundy
- Printer
- The Dukes of Burgundy
- Card Stock
- Paper (four layers of pasteboard) with pen and ink, opaque paint, glazes, and applied silver and gold
- Card Size
- Other
- Court Cards
- Custom
See This Deck on Other Sites
As the hub for playing card enthusiasts, we make it easy to explore, discover, and track decks no matter where they’re found.
View On Decklopedia
View On DeckCollect
View On Kickstarter
Historical Fields
For collectors of historical and/or Congress decks - these fields may be of additional value
Extra/Ad Card(s)
NoJoker(s)
NoName of Back Design
-Date Code
-Matching Joker
-Ace Coding
-Tax Stamp
-PlayingCardHub Community Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who made The Cloisters (Ca. 1475–80)?
- The Cloisters (Ca. 1475–80) was made by The Dukes of Burgundy and designed by The Dukes of Burgundy.
- Who printed The Cloisters (Ca. 1475–80)?
- The Cloisters (Ca. 1475–80) was printed by The Dukes of Burgundy.
