The Hanging Gardens of Babylon Playing Cards by Room One Eon (Kickstarter)https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/roomoneeon/the-hanging-gardens-of-babylon-playing-cardsThe first of the 7 Wonders of the World, in a stunning custom deck of cards!Cost: $14 Standard Edition deck, $19 Special Edition Deck
Current funding level: already funded
Kickstarter ends: Thursday, June 12, 2025
The playing card industry has exploded in the last decade or so, with improved technology making it possible to produce playing cards the likes of which we've never seen before, along with a growing number of creators that are innovating in all kinds of remarkable ways. Room One Playing Cards has to be considered among the top creators of the modern era, and in just a couple of years they have consistently produced some truly stunning output, especially under their sub-brands Bloom and Anti-Faro, at price-points that are such good value (compared with others in the market) it's hard to believe.
With this new project,
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon Playing Cards, they have launched a new sub-brand called Room One Eon. The plan is produce a series of decks that together will comprise the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Collection. This is the first, and it's a beauty, with all the signature features and high quality that we've come to expect from Room One, such as extravagant tuck boxes with die-cut windows and hot foils, along with unique artwork finished with lavish cold foil on the cards themselves.
Let's start with the concept, namely the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Referring to them in this way is not a modern concept, but goes back to ancient Greek writers. Each of the famous wonders highlights some architectural marvel from the ancient world, such as the Pyramid of Giza, the Temple of Artemis, and the Colossus of Rhodes.
The historical existence of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon remains a matter of dispute among scholars, as do specific details such as its location, so it may be mythical. It refers to the magnificent terraced gardens built in ancient Babylon in the 6th century BC, which were reputed to have lush greenery and a advanced system of irrigation that drew water from the Euphrates River.
As a tribute to this ancient wonder, this custom deck evokes the splendor of ancient Babylon, and features rich colors and patterns inspired by Mesopotamian art. The project consists of two main decks: a Standard Edition Deck ($14) and a Special Edition Deck ($19), along with pledge options that reduce the cost when buying packages.
The tuck boxes are quite similar, but are distinguished with different custom seals.
Let's have a look at what this project offers and show you some of the goodness that lies within.
Standard EditionBoth decks feature a similar tuck box, which immediately conveys a sense of luxury with gold foil and embossing, and which has a window punched out, to give us a sneak peek at the exotic inside.
The card backs also draw on the theme of ancient Babylon, and feature a design that was inspired by and recalls the interlinked stairs and motifs of the architecture supporting the Hanging Gardens.
One striking thing about this deck is the use of indices on all four corners, which lends the deck a sense of symmetry that seems to fit the theme of a well-planned hanging gardens.
The court cards feature a two-way design that depicts various Babylonian nobles.
The number cards feature custom pips and a custom arrangement, as well as other unique details such as intricate background patterns.
And it's not just the Ace of Spades that has received special treatment; all of the Aces feature extravagant detail and custom artwork.
Palm trees appear throughout, including on the Jokers.
Special EditionThe Special Edition has a similar looking tuck box, aside from a different custom seal. But once we open the tuck flap, we immediately start noticing differences, beginning with gilded edges.
The Special Edition adds extra luxury on the cards in the form of cold foil. This makes the card backs spring to life, as a result of the shine given to the interlinked patterns and palm trees.
Cold foil also adds shine and elegance to select details that have been highlighted on the court cards.
Metallic foil also makes an appearance on number cards such as the Aces, 2s, and 7s.
For a final touch of luxury, the cards of the Special Edition have been finished off with lime-green gilded edges.
Extras and Final ThoughtsBonus items like a collector's coin are also available, as well as options for a Duo Set, Half-Brick Set, and an Ultimate Set.
I haven't seen these decks in person, but if they're anything like the decks that Room One has been putting out recently, they're sure to be lovely. I really like what I'm seeing here, and in many ways it harks back to what a good all-round deck of custom playing cards is really all about: something playable and recognizable, but with enough customization and luxury to make it appealing and unique.
The concept for a series based on the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World also sounds terrific, and will really appeal to collectors. Congratulations to Room One on their consistently superb output over the last couple of years, which combines high quality with good value prices. I'm pleased to hear about their plans to start a new sub-brand, and their intention to produce a complete a Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Collection. I can see collectors being all over this, and more getting on board as the series progresses. Count me in!
Kickstarter link
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/roomoneeon/the-hanging-gardens-of-babylon-playing-cards
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