We at the Ravenswood Academy engage in Fencing, Music, and Archiving. We also shuffle cards like no one else (see the above video). Our passion for playing cards and our appreciation for aesthetics culminated in the desire to design our very own deck; 52 beautiful pieces of fine paper in complete harmony with our skills and visual preferences. We present: JEUX D’EAU Playing Cards.

While we enjoy bringing cards to life through the movement of our hands, it was decided from the beginning that this new design had to look stunning in stillness; Beauty at rest, even if the deck is just sitting on a coffee table. We think you will agree we achieved this result. The subtle gradient from dark blue to light gives the cards a gentle glow. As the deck is brought to life, our unique design creates a lush wave of azure filigree against a pristine white backdrop. Differing motions reveal intriguing perspectives and shapes, allowing the art to kaleidoscope and coalesce in a whirlwind of elegance. Not a Master Card Handler? Even the simple act of spreading the cards to check your poker hand will give you something beautiful to behold. So fancy you’ll need a second monocle.

Jeau D’eau [jeh dō] (literally Water Game) references the French composer Maurice Ravel’s piano piece which seeks to imitate water in all its forms – spraying, trickling, splashing, crashing. This term also alludes to the magnificent water fountains in Versailles and other parts of France where architects sought to seamlessly incorporate moving water as a motif into royal gardens. These beautiful images of Fluidity, Movement, and Creation are all central to the heart of card play, whether used for games, flourishing or magic.

Less than 1000 decks were printed, with over 800 pre-sold by popular demand before printing even began. With only a few dozen left at the Academy for sale, we hope you’ will consider adding some to your personal collection before they are gone for good.

KickStarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1167684454/jeux-deaux-playing-cards