NOUVEAU Playing Cards are inspired by the historical and mythological heroes and heroines traditionally featured in the French playing cards since the 16th century. The art style and design pay tribute to the philosophical and artistic trend Art Nouveau, promoted and popularized in France in the late 19th century.

NOUVEAU, chosen as the official United Cardists 2016 Annual Deck, is a custom deck of playing cards (poker size) designed by Bona Fide Playing Cards and manufactured by Expert Playing Card Company.

FEATURES:100% custom playing cards deckLimited edition (one printing, never to be reprinted)Poker size54 cardsPrinted by EPCCMaster finish qualityOfficial United Cardists 2016 annual deckCOURTS AND JOKERS:

The playing cards are inspired by the designs produced in Rouen, France, back in the 16th century. There are different theories about who the court cards represent, though it's hard to find a widely accepted one as the Rouen cards were so badly copied that the current designs are gross distortions of the original cards. For NOUVEAU, it was decided that the historical and mythological characters some believe were used for the creation of the first decks in Rouen. Considering that, the deck faces go like this:King of Diamonds as Roman leader Julius CaesarQueen of Diamonds as the biblical character RachelJack of Diamonds as the Greek mythological hero and prince HectorKing of Clubs as the Greek King Alexander the GreatQueen of Clubs as Eleanor of AquitaineJack of Clubs as the legendary Knight Sir LancelotKing of Hearts as the King CharlemagneQueen of Hearts as the biblical character JudithJack of Hearts as the French military commander