New Year 52 Playing Cards by Smooth Writing

Now on Kickstarter, New Year 52 Playing Cards by Lunzi & TCC transform the the Lunar New Year into a collectible experience built around one powerful idea: the door. In Chinese tradition, the door is where blessings arrive... and New Year 52 uses it as both a visual motif and a functional design element.

Inside the deck, storytelling unfolds across the cards. Firecrackers evolve through the number cards, shifting from full strings to drifting smoke as values increase, while koi fish and gold ingots carved into the door motifs symbolize smooth journeys and prosperity. 

Court cards replace spoken greetings with visual exchanges of couplets, quietly expressing New Year blessings. 

The deck’s standout feature is its magnetic tuck box, which includes removable New Year couplets that can be arranged directly on the box, inviting hands-on participation in the ritual of welcoming good fortune. 

A magnetic “Fu (福)” character can be placed upright or upside down, symbolizing happiness arriving when inverted—a familiar cultural gesture turned tactile and playful. The tuck is finished with embossing and paired with Spring Festival–themed, hand-drawn illustrations.

For collectors, the New Year 52 Collector’s Set expands the concept into a complete festive narrative. Limited to 1,000 numbered sets, it includes a special cold-foil deck, red envelope accessories, a full set of magnetic components, and an exquisite gift box. 

Printed by TCC on black-core paper with a linen finish, the deck balances elegant handling with durability. Pledge starts at $18 on Kickstarter.