Playing Card c. 15th century

This playing card, made by an anonymous artist, is a testament to the everyday creativity that flourished even before industrialization. It's crafted from simple materials—paper, ink—transformed through the basic, but skilled, processes of cutting and printing. Look closely, and you’ll see the directness of the making: the slightly rough edges of the card, the way the ink sits on the paper, and the limited palette. These aren't flaws, but rather evidence of human touch and the inherent qualities of the materials used. The card was likely made using a woodblock print, a relatively accessible technique. These cards remind us that even functional, mass-produced objects bear the marks of labor, skill, and resourcefulness. By attending to these details, we can understand the values, artistry and significance embedded within the simplest of objects.