Playing cards originated in China, spreading to Persia and India and arriving in Medieval Europe (14th Century) along the Silk Road and other trade routes. They appeared in Venice, Italy, in the 1360’s and eventually spread West and North.

Medieval playing cards, especially luxurious, hand-painted decks such as those commissioned by Italian nobility, were kept in elaborately decorated, fabric-lined or painted boxes. This signified their high value and artistic worth. They were cherished more for their artistry than for actual use in games, and were only occasionally taken out to be gazed upon and admired. Some decks with gilded backgrounds and careful borders made them appear like tiny, valuable paintings. Later, as better printing methods were invented and production became faster & cheaper, playing cards became popular with common people. Less valuable, mass-produced cards were kept in simpler containers. 

Medieval playing cards were made out of sheets of heavy paper, stiffened with paste and laminated in a press. Most were at least two layers of paper thick, but commonly as many as three, four, or even six sheets thick. There wasn’t a single, standardized size for playing cards during the Medieval period, as sizes varied depending on the region, the maker, and the specific deck.

The next major development in European cards occurred in Germany. New printing techniques made Germany the new card capital of Europe. German cards were printed instead of hand painted, and with the invention of the Gutenberg printing press in 1440, this became even more streamlined. In the late 15th century, French card makers ditched the Latin suits of the Mediterranean (goblets, coins, swords and batons) for the simplified and distinctly German suits that are recognizable today (hearts, acorns, leaves and bells). These four symbols were easier and less complicated to print, so French cards became the new standard. French card production became faster and more economical, thus revolutionizing the European card market. The French called their suits Hearts, Clovers, Spearheads and Floor Tiles. When these cards eventually made their way to England, the suit names changed to Hearts, Clubs, Spades and Diamonds, as we know them today.  

Playing card suits and patterns have both changed many times since they first arrived in Europe from Asia, depending on the country and language. The suit and value did not always appear in the corner of the card, as it does today. Face cards, or court cards, were modelled after famous historical figures. The Kings were all noteworthy rulers from history. Jacks were originally ‘Knaves’, which was later changed. In Spain, where there was no female royalty, the suits were King, Knight and Knave (the Knight replaced the Queen). 

The card suit and value, as well as double-headed cards, only appeared in the late 19th century. The Joker card originated in the USA during the Civil War (1860’s) where it was added as a trump card to an American game called Euchre, and it has since been adopted into many other card games.  

I loved creating these Mini Medieval Playing Cards and Box because they are so beautiful to look at, and oh-so-magical! This authentically Medieval four-sheet DIY printable makes a set of 54 miniature cards (with 2 Jokers). Each of these beauties were painstakingly crafted! They truly look ancient… with actual Medieval European kings and queens depicted on the 12 court cards! The printable also provides a template for the decorated mini wooden storage box, with a functional lid and card separator. There are 2 deck and box designs available! These tiny playing cards are perfect for 1:12 scale miniature castles, apothecaries, Medieval dioramas and every dollhouse library! Available in Lady Miniac’s shop. 

For a free DIY video tutorial showing the step-by-step process for this printable, please see my YouTube channel link https://youtu.be/Z_jDohKrJD8