King’s Head Playing Cards

Now on Kickstarter, King’s Head Playing Cards are inspired by vintage royalty and designed by Mexican illustrator Luis F. Cavalcanti. The team from Joker and the Thief make a return, telling the tale of the rivalry in the King’s court, where they ultimately plot to seize the throne. 

This deck series is filled with ornate detail, crafted to elevate both magic and cardistry and enhance any card game night. Drawing on a vintage aesthetic with a regal twist, King’s Head pays homage to early 20th-century playing cards, elegantly updated for the modern collector and player.

Inspired during a journey through the medieval city of Valletta, Malta, Joker and the Thief’s founder, James Milaras, encountered a 1940s cigarette packet in vibrant blue and red, depicting a royal figure that became the inspiration for King’s Head. After keeping the idea on hold, the project was brought to life by Cavalcanti, culminating in a deck that radiates a timeless yet modern luxury.

The Ace of Spades is this deck’s centerpiece, styled after early American playing cards from the 1930s. Every element has been crafted to echo the era’s elegance, from the card backs to the intricate court cards, which have been redrawn in a vintage style, capturing the deck’s rich historical inspiration.

The tuck box features luxurious elements like hot foil stamping, embossing, and intricate interior printing. Each tuck box also includes a custom, easy-to-open perforated seal, preserving the artwork without damage.

King’s Head comes in three striking colorways—Green and Yellow, Purple and Rose, and Red and Blue—all inspired by classic vintage designs. A special edition, limited to 300, offers a lavish Black and Gold colorway with foil stamping on the card backs for an extra touch of opulence. The Gilded Editions are even more exclusive, with only 52 decks per color, each numbered and edged in matching colored foil, making them a true collector’s piece.

Printed by WJPC and pledge starts at $20 on Kickstarter.