Danish artist and designer Bjorn Wiinblad (1918-2006), who is probably best known for his ceramic work for Rosenthal and Nymolle porcelain company, designed these colourful playing cards which were produced by Piatnik in the late 1970s. https://www.wopc.co.uk/denmark/bjorn-wiinblad

This is an ultra-limited gilded edition of the yellow Bicycle Honeybee playing cards. Only 500 decks were made. Beautiful black foil edges give a touch of elegance and shine to the deck. Each deck has an individually-numbered foil sticker seal. These must be seen in person to truly be appreciated! People have been buzzing about our Honeybee decks since the first edition launched in 2015, selling out in a single day! Since then each new version of Honeybees has continued to sell out. Bicycle Honeybees, aka Honeybee V3, are the best version yet of the Yellow & Black editions. For the first time since 2016, borderless versions of these colorways are available! Designed by Randy Butterfield, Bicycle Honeybees feature the same beloved Honeycomb pattern as earlier decks. Our Honeybee mascot still walks on the backs but faces in a new direction for enhanced symmetry. The faces are in a traditional style, with our timeless Beehive Ace of Spades and Beekeeper Jokers, plus a deeper high-roller red used for the Hearts and Diamonds. We've created a custom color scheme and background pattern on all of the court cards. These cards handle like a DREAM. They are printed on US Playing Card's embossed Bee stock with their Grade-A "Magic" finish for ultimate fanning, spreading, durability, and longevity. They have also been traditionally cut (the blade goes through the face side) which makes table faro shuffles and other gambling moves significantly easier to accomplish. We have even included 2 special gaffs in each deck, a double-backer and a blank-facer, which you can use for creative magic routines or as cut cards during your weekly poker game! -Black foiled edges, only 500 decks made -Individually-numbered foil seal -New V3 borderless back design -Custom designed Bicycle-branded tuck box -Printed by the US Playing Card Company -Casino-grade Bee Stock with premium "Magic" finish -Traditionally cut -Designed by Randy Butterfield -Custom back, ace of spades, and jokers -Custom color scheme and background pattern on the court cards -2 gaff cards included - double backer and blank facer

This set, an original of which is in the prints room of the National Library, was published in 1816. Its history is described on an imprint of the mold: "composed by Gustave Housbigant following a bet with friends that he would make them play with cards other than those used and that everyone found hideous..."

Unaware that the cards were then a monopoly of the State, denounced for fraud, Houbigant was summoned to the house of M. de Barente, director of indirect taxes. Monseigneur Le Duc de Berry was about to be married, and on the occasion of this marriage, Houbigant was asked to execute twelve dozen games which appeared for the first time on the gaming tables of the Court.

Republished today by France Cartes, the game "Dames de France", strong of its history, will be in the place of honor on your bridge table.