The Óasi Playing Cards bring the world of the Basra tapestry into a deck designed for both play and collection.
The back of each card features a hand-illustrated interpretation of The Birth of Venus. Moon motifs appear throughout the deck as a reference to the moon’s influence over the ocean’s tides—the same waters from which Venus emerged.
Each card features a portrait of one of the muses from the Basra tapestry, combined with celestial motifs and symbols. The Kings, Queens, and Jacks are presented through collage-style compositions that bring together different elements from the collection.
To add to the idea of secrets, you’ll spot more Easter eggs throughout the cards, for example- the front of the cards features cage-like motifs and structures formed from Venus’ hair, while recurring checkerboard patterns reference both classic games and the ideas of confinement, freedom, and being trapped within a narrative.
Another one- the Nine card offers a personal interpretation of the collection by the graphic designer who worked alongside us throughout its creation—her perspective on the story and, in many ways, a piece of her mind.
Designed as both a functional deck and a collectible keepsake, the Óasi Playing Cards invite you to experience the characters, symbols, and stories of Basra one card at a time.
