Artemis Playing Cards by ARK Playing Cards (Kickstarter)

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/elementplayingcards/artemis-playing-cards-by-ark

An exquisite luxury tuck case and deck of Artemis-themed playing cards

Current funding level: already funded
Kickstarter ends: Saturday, March 15, 2025

In recent years, ARK Playing Cards has been knocking it out of the park with their stunning luxury playing cards.  These typically feature decks that come with extravagant tuck cases that unfold into remarkable origami creations like kites, playing cards with exquisite artwork and holographic foils, as well as limited edition boxed sets.  It's a dream for playing card collections.  And so is their newest project: Artemis Playing Cards. 



This corresponds to a project that ARK completed about a year ago: Apollo Playing Cards.  This featured Apollo, famous from Greek mythology as one of the twelve main gods associated with Mount Olympus.  The tuck case had a pop-out feature that unfolded and rotated to form a complete circle, representing the sun which symbolizes Apollo.

But Apollo had a twin sister, Artemis, who was associated with the moon, and that's what this new project is about.  Artemis is considered to be the goddess of both the moon and the hunt, and to embody what is pure and noble, and so these are the themes that the artwork draws on, with a baroque style. 

It features a similar tuck box mechanism as the Apollo project, this time creating a full-moon shape, along with artwork that features Artemis.  Behind the tuck case is a mechanism that employs a sliding structure and magnets to make all this work smoothly.  The image on the circular tuck-case display features sacred deer pulling Artemis on the hunt in a golden chariot. 



Appearing throughout the deck is the central figure of the moon itself.  The card backs are framed by the architecture of the Artemis temple, along with other details from the rest of the deck.  There's been careful attention to detail for the images found on all the cards, which capture aspects of the stories of the famous gods and goddesses of Greek mythology.

Once again the card faces depict the famous twelve gods of the ancient Greek pantheon, as well as other aspects of Greek mythology. 



As with previous ARK projects, the Artemis Playing Cards is available with four different levels and styles of luxury packaging, and the main decks are as follows:

● Standard Deck (limited edition of 3333): single deck (US$30)
● Artist Boxset (limited edition of 999): holographic foil deck & monochromatic deck (US$75)
● White Beech Boxset (limited edition of 333): gold foil deck with gilded edges, plus a gold coin (US$185)
● Luxury Black (limited edition of 99): black and white deck, plus an embossed metal plate (~US$150, only available as part of the "All-In" reward)

Extra add-ons like uncut sheets and coins are also available.



Here's a preview of how each of the above four packaging and deck options look.

1. Standard Deck

The standard deck comes with all the features that make this project unique, including the special tuck case that unfolds into the circular moon shape shown above.



The court cards depict the Greek pantheon, while the number cards adopt a similar baroque artwork style.





The Ace of Spades has extra detail, with its shape comprised of Artemis with a cypress tree; a scene that also incorporates one of her deer and a buzzard.  But all the aces include extra details of design.



The Jokers each picture items associated with Artemis, one a bow and the other the skull of a golden-horned deer, while silk ribbons and the hanging moon and pinecones further complement the scene.



2. Artist Box set

The Artist Box set is beautifully presented in a lovely box, which includes two decks, the first being a deck with holographic foil.



The holographic foil deck

The gift box opens up to reveal two decks, and the real highlight is the one that is a vibrant green, drawing on the theme of tranquility and harmony associated with Artemis.



The cards a special holographic finish that helps emphasize the moon's circular shape, providing a further link to the deck's theme. The project describes it as "a special gold foil coating meticulously applied between the resilient black core paper and high-quality printing inks. From different angles, the surface creates dynamic, multi-dimensional circular light refraction effects."



This deck also has edges with green/gold gilding.  Here's a look at some of the other cards:



Like the standard deck, the tuck box can be unfolded into the stunning circular moon shape.



The monochromatic deck

The other deck in the Artist Box set is called the "special edition".



It has a monochromatic design for all the artwork.





The album

The Artist Boxset comes in a gift box that can be disassembled and changed into a bilingual English-Chinese book that displays large pictures with artwork from the deck itself, along with aspects of the design process.



3. Beech Box set

This set has a box with white beech wood, with a lovely embossed display, inside of which is a gold deck.





The gold deck here really does look gorgeous.





To complete the flashy look, this deck has the added luxury of gold gilded edges.



Once again the tuck box can be opened up into a moon shaped circle.



Here's a closer look at some of the beautiful artwork that is part of the circular display.



There's also a special collector's coin that comes with this set.



4. Luxury Black set

This special deck is only available to collectors opting for the "All In" reward. 



The cards feature artwork in white set against a jet black background.





In keeping with the overall colour scheme of this deck it has fully black edges instead of metallic gilding.



An individually numbered embossed metal plate is another special feature of this reward.  Head to the project page to see some more images and animations that help showcase the beauty of these gorgeous collector's pieces.

I continue to be impressed with what Ark Playing Cards is producing, and this project is another fine example of their creativity and quality!

Kickstarter link

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/elementplayingcards/artemis-playing-cards-by-ark

Kickstarter - Mucha & Van Gogh V2 Playing Cards (by 52 MUSEE)

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/208530852/mucha-and-van-gogh-v2-playing-cards-by-52-musee

Luxurious holographic foil playing cards with famous art works by Mucha and Van Gogh

Cost: ~US$16 Standard Edition decks, ~US$20 Special Edition decks, ~US$45 Collector Boxes
Funding level: over 100% funded
Project ends: Friday, 13 June 2024



It's well been said that a deck of playing cards is like a miniature portfolio, containing a gallery of 52 artworks plus jokers.  That makes it the ideal place to showcase actual works of art, including famous paintings.

Last year saw TCC Playing Cards debut their new label "52 MUS?E" to do exactly that, by combining famous art-pieces from renowned artists with luxury holographic foil.  They've produced a number of projects already, including ones that featured big name artists like Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso, as well as the famous 19th century Japanese painter Utagawa Kuniyoshi.  These projects were a big success, which is not surprising since the iridescent colors of holographic foils brings classic works of art to life in a way we've never seen them before.

Their latest project is called Mucha & Van Gogh V2 Playing Cards, and gives collectors another opportunity to enjoy famous paintings in stunning holographic colours.  This time around we get works by Czech artist Alphonse Mucha, along with some previously seen and some new works from Van Gogh, who has proven to be a popular favourite.   For each artist there are three decks: Standard Edition (a limited edition of 2000), Special Edition (limited edition of 500), and Gilded Special Edition (a limited edition of 500).

Mucha Standard Edition deck

Perhaps it's just my own ignorance about the world of art, but Alphonse Mucha was someone I'd not come across before.  He was Czech artist who is considered to be one of the leading figures of the Art Nouveau movement.  His art was typical of the era, and had a significant impact on the worlds of art and design. 

He's especially well-known for theatrical posters he designed for the famous Parisian actress Sarah Bernhardt, such as Gismonda (1894) and La Dame aux Cam?lias (1896).  Gismonda and The Zodiac (1896), another of his famous works, make an appearance on the front and back of the tuck box respectively.  As is fitting for a work of art, the tuck box gets some extra loving attention: it is not your basic box, but has a side-drawer mechanism.  Gismonda also reappears on the card backs.







As the project puts it, Mucha is known for using "delicate, flowing lines, vibrant yet soft colors, and highly decorative natural elements."  Female figures were a favourite subject, and they are "typically graceful and elegant, perfectly blending with ornamental patterns of plants and flowers to create a dreamy and beautiful artistic atmosphere." 



An example of this is found in his renowned series The Seasons (1896), in which he personifies spring, summer, autumn, and winter with four elegant female figures. 





Works like these are what you'll find throughout the deck, including on all the number cards, each of which features its own gorgeous artwork.







Mucha Special Edition deck

Some collectors may recognize some of the artworks from the above deck, because TCC has previously produced holographic decks featuring Mucha's work in
this Kickstarter project.  The Standard deck is effectively a re-skinned version of that, with new artwork on the card backs, and a new tuck case.  It will especially be of interest for collectors who missed out previously, and for the completionists. 

The Special Edition deck caters for those wanting something entirely new.  This is a limited edition with individually numbered seals and with completely different illustrations on the card faces. 



While the Standard edition has a red box and red-backed cards, the Special edition has a white box and white-backed cards, featuring a contemplative woman from Mucha's Meditation (1898).



The card faces depict some of Mucha's other famous works, as well as some of his lesser known pieces.









Mucha Collection Box

Corresponding to each of the Special Edition decks is a gilded version.  The Gilded Special Edition in both instances has the same cards, but adds lavish gold gilding to the edges of the cards.  This is only available as part of a collection box (500 only) in which it is also paired with a Standard Edition.  The Mucha Collector's Box is finished with silver foil on red.









Van Gogh V2 Standard Edition deck

Little introduction will be needed for legendary Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), who had a huge influence on Post-Impressionism art and anticiapted Expressionism.  The V2 Standard Edition has the same artwork on the card faces of the Van Gogh V1 Standard deck featured in this Kickstarter project. 

Like the Mucha Standard Edition, it is effectively a re-skinned version, with a more lavish tuck-box that has a whole new look, and different card backs.  While the V1 Standard Edition was inspired by Van Gogh's famous painting The Starry Night, the v2 deck features his renowned Sunflowers, with its instantly recognizable tones of bright yellow and its familiar look. 





The tuck box is embellished with gold foil, and like the Mucha Standard Edition, features a side-drawer mechanism.  The card backs use the same artwork as the tuck box, giving it a very different look and feel from the V1 deck, even though the card faces are unchanged.













Van Gogh V2 Special Edition deck

The Special Edition is inspired by Van Gogh's 1887 self-portrait, and instead of yellow the main colour used for the card backs and tuck box is white.

The choice to use a self-portrait as a recurring motif in the Special Edition deck makes sense once we look at the card faces, which all use different artworks than the cards from the Standard Deck.  Most are closely related to the man himself, including no less than 14 different self-portraits, all displaying different aspects of the artist and his emotions.













Van Gogh Collection Box

The Van Gogh Collector's Box is finished with silver foil on yellow.  Like the Mucha Collector's Box, it features a pair of decks, one being a Gilded Special Edition, the other being a Standard Edition.









The Holographic Foil

I've got some of the previous decks in this series, and you may be wondering if the holographic foil makes any real difference to the artwork.  The answer is: Absolutely, and it's the main reason I love these decks. 

Because the cards have holographic foil on the faces, the colours and the overall effect of the art depicted on the cards changes as you alter the angle that you hold the cards up to the light.  I've been really impressed with the impact this has, and I expect that anyone who enjoys the artwork of these artists will find a lot to like here. 



Add-ons are available for extra decks, and for uncut sheets.

Kickstarter link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/208530852/mucha-and-van-gogh-v2-playing-cards-by-52-musee

Last 48hrs to back!

Cheers everyone 

Tanuki Yukaku Playing Cards by Room One Cards (Kickstarter)

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bloomplayingcards/tanuki-yukaku-playing-cards

A tale of charm, trickery, and tradition, told through the eyes of a dancing tanuki courtesan

Current funding level: Almost 20x the funding goal!
Kickstarter ends: Successfully funded, but you can still Late Pledge for available rewards



We've seen a lot of innovation in the playing card industry in recent years.  One of the top innovators is Room One Playing Cards, under their brands Bloom and Anti-Faro.  They've produced some stunning decks, and with this new project they continue to raise the bar. 

Two things especially stand out about it for me:
- it has a folding tuck box that lights up: literally!
- it has a special feature where the cards can be combined into a puzzle!

Several different versions of the deck are being produced, and there are also options to get all three together in a collector's set:
- Yukaku Tales Edition
- Oiran-Dochu Edition
- Hanafuda Edition



The concept behind the deck is to combine two concepts from Japanese folklore, described in the project as follows:
- "The Tanuki (狸) is a mischievous creature known for its playful nature and ability to shape-shift. Some stories tell of tanuki hosting grand feasts, luring humans to join, only to trap them in confusion or make them lose track of time."
- "The Yūkaku (遊郭), or pleasure district, was a specialized entertainment area in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). These areas were known for their captivating performances and indulgent experiences."
The Tanuki is also known as a raccoon dog, and these charming creatures make regular appearances throughout the deck.  Drawing on and merging the folklore, fantasy, and culture of the Edo period, these decks aim to bring us to a world where the Tanuki opens a Yūkaku, described as "a magical place designed to enchant and bewilder. Here, humans lose themselves in an endless cycle of time, drawn in by the allure of the tanuki's mysterious feasts."

The Light Up Yukaku Tuck Box, complete with its lavish door design, looks especially stunning.  Add to that the luxury of vibrant colours, cold foil, and patterned gilded edges, and it's a true feast for the eyes and imagination.

As a bonus feature, the number cards of each edition have a unique puzzle:
- in the Yukaku Tales Edition, they can be arranged to produce a panoramic image of the lively Yukaku with a cast of Tanuki characters. 
- in the Oiran-Dochu Edition, they combine within each suit to form a scroll-like panorama.
- in the Hanafuda Edition, each four cards of the same number combine to make single image.



Extra addons include things like a collector coin, pins, stickers, koi-koi guide, uncut sheets, and previous decks.

Now that I've described the basic concept and features, I'll let these pictures do the talking, which I've arranged to show all three decks, one at a time.

Yukaku Tales Edition











Oiran-Dochu Edition









Hanafuda Edition









Extras





This project has already funded, but they've left it open for Late Pledges, so if you like what you see here, you can still get on board.

You really need to head to the project page where you can see videos of the deck in action; what I saw certainly blew me away!

Kickstarter link

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bloomplayingcards/tanuki-yukaku-playing-cards

I just noticed that the back design on the ARRCO tuck box does not match the ARRCO card backs.  The card back is a mirror image of the tuck back.  The ARRCO tuck back matches the Hoyle card back and Hoyle tuck back.

I won't go into the details of that story here. If you are really curious, please contact me by email.

Thank you.