Roman Kotiv of NoirArts who brought us the fantastic Asylum and Back to the Asylum playing card decks, has come up trumps (pun intended) once again. Here we have the intrinsically detailed ‘Branle’ Playing Cards, which have just gone live on Kickstarter.
The name ‘Branle’ is derived from a 12th Century French chain dance which was adopted by aristocrats right across Europe, particularly in England (where it was Anglicised as ‘brawl’ – yes, that’s where the word came from – a dance!) and France, in the 15th/17th Centuries. There were many variations of the popular dance to suit the abilities of the age groups of those taking part.
Designed by Chesley Trem, each and every card is jam packed with detail and the colours compliment each suit perfectly. Even the pip cards have been given special attention. The artwork of the court cards represents the history and culture of various European countries from the 16th to the 17th Centuries. I just love this deck. The Jokers in particular grabbed my attention – loving the blue Joker, I can just imagine him playing away and his wee dog howling along :D
These cards are strictly limited to a print run of 1000 decks, each with a numbered custom seal, and will only be available to buy during the Kickstarter campaign. So if you’re wanting to add to or start your playing card collection, I’d fully recommend you invest in a deck or two of these.
Click here to be taken to the Kickstarter project page.
Please feel free to leave any comments or ask any questions in the box below – all welcome :)
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I have been following you on twitter and I have to say I never knew such neat playing cards existed. I especially like this set! Every time I see them I want to go play! Thanks for sharing these.
Thank you Travis. This is a special deck, the artwork is so detailed – it’s stunning. There’s still 12 days left to go on funding for these, and you could get yourself a deck for $13….. :)
Wow, these are actually quite cool – I love the level of detail in the illustrations, and it really does have a medieval feel to them! Reminds me a little of game of thrones, haha!
Thanks Jolie – yes, even though they are so obviously set in the past, there’s something very topical and ‘now’ about them. Perhaps that’s why they’ve been so successful :)
Wow! Those playing cards are works of art. I have never seen such cool looking cards! It’s no wonder you are passionate about it.
I know Patty, aren’t they stunning? There are more and more fantastic playing card decks coming out all the time – I can hardly keep up! :D Thanks for your comment :)
Great article
I didn’t know of the Branle cards they are quiet outstanding from the ones we ussually see in Zimbabwe
Thanks you for the share
Thanks Anele. I bet you’d be surprised at just how many amazing decks there are these days. I’m sure Zimbabwe will catch up soon – maybe you could be the one to introduce them to these fantastic cards…? :)
Hello,
The diversity of the cards on your website is truly amazing. They are unique and beautiful. I wish you success with this wonderful website.
Regards,
Donna
Thanks Donna. The world of playing cards is an amazing place to be. Every day I’m finding something new. Decks like this one with such intricate detail in the designs, to minimalist decks with that certain ‘edge’…. it never gets boring :)
These are beautiful cards. The images create an emotion that draws you in. Could these cards be worth more in the future if you held onto them?
Yes Victor, absolutely! Cards like this, that are independently produced (as opposed to mass-produced by large playing card companies) are almost always made in limited quantities. This particular deck which is on Kickstarter right now, would cost you $13 USD (plus shipping) and you may think that is quite a lot…. But after the project has finished you can bet that these will be on the likes of eBay for at least $20, if not double – this deck is limited to only 1000 decks ever being made….. so who knows what they’d be worth in 2,3, or 4 years time…. worth a thought, no…? (Just make sure you don’t open them!!) :)
Branle made a beautiful deck of cards. I never really knew how nice some of the decks that are out there are. Thank you for sharing.
Marc
Thanks Marc, they are a beautiful deck, aren’t they? I can’t wait to get mine, just so I can look at them – no one’s playing with them mind you…. they’re mine…. all mine…!! :):):)
You have a collection of beautiful playing card here, I didn’t know how lovely some collections were. It’s coming along very nicely indeed, well done.
I appreciate your comment Paul, thanks. Long gone are the days of the same old same old playing cards with ‘souvenir’ backs… I’m amazed daily at the variety of decks out there. It’s about time! :)
Nice post once again keep it up the great work.
Thank you Amanda. To be honest, these cards speak for themselves – how fantastic is this artwork? I’m merely the messenger :) I appreciate your comment, thank you :)