Product Description
Playing Cards (Carte da Gioco Siciliane) (9.5cm by 5cm)(3.74'inch by 1.96'inch)
Available from 1st December, if ordered before then they will be sent under separate cover. THE perfect Christmas present, unique and sylish. Pre-order now - can be sent directly to recipient.
Traditional Sicilian playing cards with Italian style, this historic deck design is from the early 19th century and are used for games like Briscola dn Scopa as well as other Sicilian card games that require a a regional pack.
North Italy has been a card-making centre since at least the 16th century but packs from that time are scarce. At some point 'standard' patterns became established in certain areas which manufacturers adhered to. It appears that the double-ended version of the 'Tuscan' pattern originated in the early 19th century. The designs show archaic features which would have derived from earlier prototypes, including curved, interlaced swords and long batons. Most of the full-length features have been preserved, including the head held by the executioner Jack of Swords. The King of Batons holds a coat-of-arms of Tuscany. Regional cards like those from Sicily, Naples, Piacenza and Treviso are used for playing Scopa and Briscola and other regional Italian card games only.
