Mamlouk playing cards – Limited handcrafted edition (20 copies)
Reproduction of the historical game housed in the Topkapi Palace Museum – Original size: 9.2 × 25 cm
Rediscover the emotion of an old and inaccessible game
This Mamluk deck of cards is a faithful reproduction of the original deck housed in the Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul. As the original has become inaccessible, this edition is the result of over ten years of research to rediscover the game's origins, dimensions, motifs, and spirit. Collaboration with Ulrich Kaltenborn's research project enabled the collection of archives, restored engravings, and historical documentation to produce this exceptional edition.
On this copy, the cards of the 4 kings have been richly illuminated with gold leaf in the style of the original game.
Each card captures the feeling of a unique piece, as it might have been handled during the Mamluk era. Traditionally, the backs of cards were white: a surface ideal for personalization by the player or calligrapher. For this limited edition, the backs have been painted in shades of turquoise, evoking the blues of the Orient, the intense light of the Egyptian sun, and the artistic influence of the Mamluks on the arts of the book and illumination.
This edition is limited to 20 numbered copies. A rare piece intended for collectors, heritage libraries, museums, and enthusiasts of art and historical games.
Implementation of ancestral artisanal know-how
Each game is entirely handmade in my workshop, using techniques similar to those of master playing card artisans .
High-quality materials used:
– French laid paper , identical to that used for the restoration of old literary works
– Molded cotton paper , allowing for the imitation of a print with an authentic finish
– Acid-free kraft paper , guaranteeing the stability and preservation of artworks over time
– Fine art pigment ink (long-lasting preservation, colors stable for centuries)
Manufacturing steps:
– Fine art prints from restored engravings
– Manual gluing , traditional rolling , and smoothing with soap to obtain a taut and durable surface
– Hand-painted and pearlescent back, or the option of a blank back as in the original game
– Cutting, shaping and finishing are all done entirely by hand
– Custom-made case to the mesures of the deck
Customized options (quote available upon request):
– Customizable back (white, historical pattern or hand-painted)
– Edges gilded with gold leaf
– Additional illuminations possible
My workshop guarantees the longevity of the game: replacement of missing or damaged cards over time is possible.
This Mamlouk card game will be presented at the Carrousel des Métiers d'Art fair , Carreau du Temple – Paris, from December 4 to 7, 2025.
Secure and tracked shipping. International delivery available.
For quotes, customization or specific requests: contact me via the form.
