Serbaz or Soldier Playing Card for the Game of As Nas

Serbaz or Soldier Playing Card for the Game of As Nas

Public Domain

Serbaz or Soldier Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
CulturePersian
Titles
  • Serbaz or Soldier Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
Date19th century
MediumWatercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
Dimensions2 3/8 × 1 9/16 in. (6 × 4 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Jalal and Mrs. Safa Golshan
Object number2017.11.7
Not on view

Explore Further

Department
Art of the Islamic Worlds
Object Type
DescriptionThese playing cards were designed for the game of As Nas, which became popular in 19th-century Iran. The rules of As Nas closely resemble those of poker. Each deck contains five suits: As (ace), featuring a lion combating a dragon and other mythical beasts; shah (king); bibi (queen); sarbaz (soldier); and lakat (dancer). One of the shah examples here depicts the contemporary ruler Nasir al-Din Shah (r. 1848–96).
Provenance Research Ongoing

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

Nasir al-Din Shah Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
Nasir al-Din Shah Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.16
Shah or King Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
Shah or King Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.2
Bibi or Queen Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
Bibi or Queen Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.1
As or Ace Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
As or Ace Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.6
As or Ace Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
As or Ace Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.3
As or Ace Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
As or Ace Playing Card for the Game of As Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.4
Shah or King Playing Card for the Game of Nas
Shah or King Playing Card for the Game of Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.8
Lakat or Dancer Playing Card for the Game of Nas
Lakat or Dancer Playing Card for the Game of Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.11
Set of 16 Playing Cards for the Game of As Nas
Set of 16 Playing Cards for the Game of As Nas
19th century
Watercolor, gold-colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard
2017.11.1-.16
Playing Cards
Glenisson and Sons
Playing Cards
c. 1835–1840
Ink and watercolor on laid cardstock
B.94.19.1-.52
Deck of 52 Playing Cards
Deck of 52 Playing Cards
c. 1800–1850
Printed paper
B.69.177.1-.52
Deck of 52 Playing Cards
L. I. Cohen
Deck of 52 Playing Cards
c. 1832–1850
Printed paper
B.91.49.1-.52