A Pack of Cards by Master PW – 1974 Edition Leipzig – Rare Round Renaissance Deck

72-Card Historic Facsimile Deck – Cologne, 16th Century – RARE COLLECTOR’S EDITION

A superb and scholarly reproduction of the legendary round playing cards attributed to Master PW, an anonymous engraver active in Cologne in the mid-16th century.
Published by Edition Leipzig in 1974, this fine art facsimile recreates one of the earliest surviving circular card decks, celebrated for its Renaissance engraving style, allegorical scenes, and extraordinary craftsmanship.

Each card is reproduced with remarkable fidelity, featuring knights, hunters, mythological figures, symbolic emblems, and humorous or moralizing motifs — a fascinating window into the visual culture of early European playing cards.

The set includes a 58-page bilingual booklet (German & English) offering deep historical context on early cardmaking techniques, woodcut engravers, and the mysterious Master PW.

A true museum-quality edition, rarely encountered complete and in such good condition.

Details

🔹 Artist: Master PW (anonymous Cologne engraver, 16th century)
🔹 Publisher: Edition Leipzig
🔹 Year: 1974
🔹 Country: German Democratic Republic
🔹 Cards: 72 circular cards (Ø ~73 mm)
🔹 Extras: 58-page bilingual booklet (German + English)
🔹 Style: Renaissance engraving, historical facsimile
🔹 Condition: Cards & booklet in very good condition — box with minor shelf wear
🔹 Notes: Limited collector’s edition; one of the finest reproductions of early European round cards

🪶 Collector’s Note

Master PW’s circular deck holds a special place in the history of playing cards. The originals, preserved in major European collections, are nearly unobtainable. This 1974 Edition Leipzig release is therefore prized among historians and collectors — both for its accuracy and its elegant presentation.
A superb object for lovers of early European printing, Renaissance art, or rare card reproductions.

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