The Wars of the Roses Playing Cards by ZeYang transform one of history’s most dramatic power struggles into a richly illustrated playing card collection. More than a single deck, the series presents a visual chronicle of 15th-century England, where ambition, loyalty, and betrayal collided in the conflict between the Houses of Lancaster and York.
Inspired by historical accounts and Shakespeare’s Henry VI, the artwork is rendered in a retro woodcut style that evokes period engravings while maintaining a refined, classical tone. The court cards portray the central figures of the war, divided by suit to reflect their allegiances: the House of York, the House of Lancaster, the Neville family, and the Tudor dynasty... each suit forming a narrative thread that culminates in the rise of Henry VII.
The number cards extend the storytelling through battle-inspired designs. Each suit references a pivotal conflict, from the chaotic opening at the First Battle of St Albans to the decisive Battle of Bosworth Field, with patterns and textures echoing bloodshed, snow, and shifting fortunes.
All editions feature premium matte tuck boxes with layered production techniques including hot stamping, embossing, and foil detailing, giving the series a distinctly high-end presentation.
Also, the collection is released in several limited editions, each with its own visual identity. The Standard Edition draws from Lancaster red and gold, the Gilded Edition adopts York white with silver accents and gilded edges, and the Special Edition leans heavily into theatrical and Shakespearean influences with bold, borderless backs and enhanced foil treatments. A Blue Edge-Dyed Edition, commemorating the creator’s first release, introduces a deep Pantone blue palette with patterned edge dyeing.
Printed by King Star and pledge starts at $15 on Kickstarter.
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