17th Century Pin-up Girls Playing Cards, red and gold back

17th Century pin-up girls playing cards, 1 deck (52 cards plus four jokers). Red and gold, printed on casino card (opaque to light)

Illustrated by Polish artist Bartek Drejewicz and published by Polish lingerie store Sensuali (formerly Intimo), the illustrations in this deck of playing cards are definitely pin-ups, not glamour, with bare midriffs and plunging necklines the limit of any risque exposure

The illustrations represent a selection of uniforms worn in central Europe during the 17th century. There were many wars and conflicts in this time. Many countries of central Europe were united in the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth including Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine whose biggest opponents were the Kingdom of Sweden, Russian Empire and Ottoman Empire. The period also include the English Civil War, so the deck features a few illustrations from England too. Some uniforms pictured are from Spain, Germany, France, representing the mercenary contingents of some armies

Each suit is themed: Clubs – Britain, Sweden and the Holy Roman Empire; Diamonds – The Eastern Empires, including the Ottoman Empire, Crimea,  Russia, Ukraine; Hearts – eastern forces of Poland and Lithuania; Spades – western forces of Poland, Lithuania and their allies.

All cards in the decks are illustrated in full colour. The illustrations are unique with four different jokers. Illustrations are identical in the blue/silver and red/gold decks; the only difference is the colour of the backs of the cards

The cards use continental notation for the court cards: K for king, D for queen (dame) and J for jack

Technical data: Cards measure 56 x 87mm with rounded corners (5mm radius), ordinary cut. Number of cards in the deck: 56 (52 plus 4 Jokers). Raw material: FSC Classic 285. Cards are laquered, packed in cellophane with a tear strip, and in a printed box.