Nicolai Aaroe‘s latest deck, House of Seven Gables Playing Cards, is a series based on the altruistic legend of the House of the Seven Gables. The theme is based on the seven-gabled mansion in Salem, Massachusetts, belonging to author Nathaniel Hawtorne’s cousin Sussana Ingersoll, as well as his ancestors who played part in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.
There are two editions of this deck series: Lazarus and Eleazar. These two decks are limited editions, which each edition only 2500 made- provided with the decks is a numbered seal located on the bottom of the tuck case. The box of the decks will be made with premium textured stock with a variety of metallic foils and strategic embossing.
The boxes for each edition are different. For Lazarus Edition, the box features artwork that somewhat mimics a cover of a leather-bound book presenting the title of the series along with a specified year. For Eleazar Edition, the box features an even more elaborate book cover, which features a variation of filigrees along with a symbol of a crescent moon and a small lamb. All of these artworks will be glorified using metallic foils and embossing.
All of the artworks for the deck are custom illustrated. The card comes with indices on each corner. There is archaic text on the sides of the cards. The layout for the red and black suits will be customized, featuring weathered pips. There is a special treatment on the 7s, which relates to the theme of the series- a heptagram sigil with the small icon of a lamb.
The back design for each Edition is unique. Lazarus Edition features the illustration of a long-horned ram with a dark mark on its head on both sides composed in an intricate border atop the full black background. Eleazar Edition features the illustration of a small lamb almost lost within the filigrees and symbols of the framework inside the eggshell white border. These artworks will be presented with metallic copper ink
The Ace of Spades features a sinister illustration of a goat accompanied by two small lambs. The goat has a dark mark on its head – this specific animal is chosen as it is mostly associated with dark magic and witchcraft. The Ace also features the year of creation as well as the series title. The Joker features the furry creature on top of the heptagram sigil, with the phrase “Praise the Lamb”. Also included with the deck is a card that tells the story of the series.
The courts for the cards feature painstakingly detailed illustrations of characters who represent the residents of the House of Seven Gables mansion. These are portraits of children, adults, and elderlies, up to the leaders of the mansions.
While both editions will feature the same set of characters, the color scheme will be different: Lazarus Edition will be colored artwork on black background, while Eleazar Edition will be achromatic artwork on eggshell white background. A booklet is available if you wish to learn more about the characters.
These decks will be produced by Noir Arts Playing Cards with fine art linen stock. Pledges start at $14 for a single deck on Kickstarter.
