Just Launched on Kickstarter, Aoi Koi Playing Cards!

A beautiful fusion of Japanese art, traditional symbolism, and contemporary playing-card design, Aoi Koi Playing Cards by Stacey Jay Kelly invites collectors beneath the surface of tranquil Japanese temple ponds. Inspired by the elegant blue koi known as Asagi and the traditional indigo-dyeing technique Aizome, the deck embraces a rich palette of blues, delicate detailing, and shimmering foil effects.

The tuck box immediately establishes the deck’s luxurious character, featuring a continuous koi pattern that flows around every corner, complemented by holographic foil, glittering fish scales, and a textured red seal. 

Inside, deep navy coloring provides the backdrop for blue temple-style stamps with a subtle iridescent glow. The card backs continue the theme with a mirrored koi design, where layers of blue ink interact with holographic foil to create shifting highlights across the fish’s fins and scales.

The custom faces bring Japanese cultural influences to life throughout the deck. The ace cards feature blue koi swimming through their central pip designs, surrounded by shimmering water and the traditional Seigaiha wave pattern. 

The Kings portray Japanese warriors in intricately patterned robes before traditional Shoji screens, while the Queens depict Geishas beneath Wagasa umbrellas. The Jacks represent younger Kabuki actors, accompanied by flowering water lilies. 

Two differently colored Jokers showcase mirrored koi designs, while every pip card features a Goshuin-inspired composition referencing the sacred stamps and calligraphy found at Japanese shrines and Buddhist temples.

Backers have several editions to consider. Alongside the main holographic deck, a Slim Edition offers a format half the width of a standard poker-sized deck. The limited Furoshiki Edition combines both the holographic and slim decks with a 100% cotton Furoshiki scarf and a small signed art print. The set is presented in an embossed display box crafted from fibrous navy card and finished with a red band.

Printed by Legends Playing Cards Co. on Classic Finish. Pledge starts at $20 on Kickstarter.