Cedars Playing Cards is a stunning deck by Noah Abdallah and Ali Asfour, inspired by the iconic Cedars tree of Lebanon and the rich cultural heritage surrounding it. The deck celebrates Lebanese traditions such as Dabke, a traditional folk dance, and other cultural elements.
This unique project, produced by WJPC, successfully merges cultural symbolism with practical utility, offering both collectors and card enthusiasts a beautifully crafted and functional set of playing cards. Let’s take a closer look at its charm.
Basic Cedars Playing Cards Parameters
Cedars Playing Cards features 56 cards, including 52 standard cards, two custom double diptych Jokers, a double backer, and a blank card. The cards are printed on casino-quality stock, specifically 300gsm German black core paper, known for its durability and smooth handling.
The deck’s finish, referred to as the “Butter finish” from WJPC, enhances the cards’ tactile experience, making them ideal for both cardistry and magic tricks. The deck also includes a fully customized Ace of Spades, prominently displaying the Cedars tree as a central element, and customized ARRCO-style court cards and pips that add a unique flair to the deck’s design.
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Cedars’ Design And Gameplay
The design of Cedars Playing Cards is a homage to Lebanese culture, with the Cedars tree motif prominently featured across the deck. The card back design is two-way, ensuring versatility in various card games and magic routines.
The court cards, which follow the ARRCO style, have been customized to incorporate elements of Lebanese attire and symbolism. The Ace of Spades stands out with a detailed illustration of the Cedars tree, symbolizing strength and endurance.
The Jokers are particularly notable, designed as double diptych images that together form a complete picture, adding an artistic touch to the deck. The overall aesthetic is consistent and cohesive, making the deck not only a practical tool for games and magic but also a collector’s item. The cards’ design facilitates smooth gameplay, whether in a casual game night or a more formal magic performance.
Cedars’ Printing Highlights
Printed by WJPC, Cedars Playing Cards boasts high-quality production values. Here are the key features that make these cards stand out:
1. 300gsm German Black Core Paper
Known for its robustness, the German black core paper provides an excellent balance between durability and flexibility. This high-quality paper ensures the cards can withstand extensive use without significant wear and tear, maintaining their shape and integrity over time.
2. Butter Finish
The Butter finish, specially for Cardistry, offers a buttery smooth texture, enhancing the tactile experience of handling the cards. This finish significantly improves the cards’ handling capabilities, making them ideal for shuffling, dealing, and performing card flourishes and tricks with ease.
3. Matte Finish with Embossing
The matte finish combined with embossing on the front, back, sides, and flap of the tuck case adds a luxurious and sophisticated touch. The detailed embossing not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also provides a tactile experience, making the tuck case as pleasing to hold as it is to look at.
4. Premium Gilded Edition
This edition features mesmerizing green gilding on the card edges, adding an extra layer of sophistication and visual appeal. The gilded edition is designed for collectors and enthusiasts, making it a standout piece in any collection due to its unique and eye-catching finish.
The combination of high-quality materials, luxurious finishes, and intricate design elements ensures that the Cedars Playing Cards are both visually stunning and a pleasure to use. Suitable for various uses, from casual games to professional cardistry and magic performances, these cards cater to a wide range of card enthusiasts.
Cedars Playing Cards Conclusion
Cedars Playing Cards is a beautifully designed deck that pays homage to Lebanese culture while offering high-quality features suitable for both collectors and card enthusiasts. If you also have a good poker idea, discuss with WJPC the possibility of turning it into reality!