Standards

The pattern of the modern English playing card derives from an influential design originating in Rouen, France in the 15th century. Like all standards, the English Pattern has defining or indentifying elements. These can be found among the objects, weapons, and attire assigned to each of the characters of the Royal household. Manufacturers and card houses have kept to the form of the English pattern for well over 370 years now, and have preserved the assignment of their objects and weapons. Each one, in producing their own face cards, display interpretations that show variation in style, colour and detail, but that nonetheless conform to the Standard.

Piatnik	Copag	Modiano
Pippoglyphs	Kem	Gemaco
USPCC	Hoyles	Cartamundi

This rendition of the English pattern was more recently composed by artist, Brett A. Jones. With reference to the French Rouen design, the idea was to preserve all the elements of the standard, but bring dimension and expression to their characters. See More

France

Denmark

Russia

DXPO Playing Cards DXPO Playing Cards displays an extensive exhibition of contemporary and early European Standard playing cards with examples from Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and more DXPO Playing Cards »

Reading

The English Pattern
Regional Patterns of 18th Century France
Gallery of Early Standard Playing Cards
WhiteKnuckle Standard Playing Cards

L I N K S

PlainBacks.com: Extensive gallery of early standard playing cards. Famous American and English makers. Plain Backs is a celebration of the English Court Card as a cultural design icon.
DXPO Playing Cards: Exposé of early and contemporary European Standards.
International Playing Card Society Decline of the English Court Card.
History of Playing Cards - Playing Cards.us: Brief History of Playing Cards
Sea Of Pain Fine Art Productions - Brett A. Jones works from his studio in Queensland, Australia. Only recently he has completed a rendition of the English Pattern.