Bicycle Archive Series #6 - Lotus Back 1891 Playing Cards

Experience the elegance and sophistication of the Victorian era with the Bicycle Archive Series #6 - Lotus Back 1891 Playing Cards—an authentic reproduction of a legendary design that exemplifies the Egyptian Revival aesthetic that captivated the design world during the 1890s.

The Lotus Back Heritage:

Originally introduced around 1885-1891, the Lotus Back design represents one of the most elegant and visually distinctive playing card designs ever produced by the United States Playing Card Company. The design exemplifies the Egyptian Revival style that dominated Victorian-era graphics and interior design, featuring intricate lotus flowers and architectural elements interwoven across a beautifully balanced, mirrored composition.

Notably, the Lotus Back is one of the rare Bicycle designs that contains no representation of bicycles, bicycle parts, or wheels—instead focusing entirely on the ornamental botanical and architectural elements that make it unique among Bicycle designs. The design remained in continuous production until 1943, making it one of the longest-running Bicycle designs in the company's history.

The Lotus Back is most commonly found in red and blue colorways, though extremely rare vintage examples exist in green and brown. The current Archive Series reproduction features the brown colorway, offering collectors access to one of the rarest color variations ever produced.

Key Features & Specifications:

• Authentic 1891 Reproduction - Meticulously recreated from original historical archives to capture the aesthetic and character of the original Lotus Back design
• Egyptian Revival Design - The back features intricate lotus flowers and architectural elements in an Egyptian Revival style that was popular during the 1890s, with elaborate ornamental detailing arranged in a symmetrical, mirrored pattern
• Botanical Sophistication - One of the most visually complex early Bicycle designs, featuring lotus flowers interweaving with architectural flourishes and elegant curves
• Available Color Option - Brown - Reproduced in brown, one of the rarest color variations of the original design—historically extremely difficult to find in authentic vintage examples
• Early One-Way Design - The design is subtly asymmetrical, featuring a distinct top and bottom (though this one-way aspect appears to have been largely unintentional in the original)
• Fully Mirrored Main Composition - While technically asymmetrical, the primary design elements maintain a two-way symmetrical layout
• Vintage-Styled Court Cards - Face cards feature period-appropriate aesthetics that honor the 1891 era while maintaining modern playability
• Custom Ace of Spades - Features "Bicycle No. 808" branding with vintage styling including "Lotus Back 1891" designation, "Trade Mark" marking, and "United States Playing Card Company" imprint
• Vintage-Style Numbered Cards - All numbered cards feature older-looking suit designs and pips, capturing the printing aesthetics of the 1890s
• Standard Jokers - Includes both black/white and colored joker variations
• Double-Backer Gaff Card - Included as a bonus feature for magic and performance use
• Premium Air-Cushion Finish - Manufactured on Bicycle's signature embossed air-cushion stock that provides smooth shuffling, superior handling, and exceptional durability
• Standard Poker Size - Traditional 2.5" x 3.5" dimensions ensure compatibility with all standard card games, magic routines, and display
• Sculpted & Embossed Tuck Case - Features three-dimensional embossing and sculpted highlights with "Archive Series" designation and "Lotus Back 1891" branding, with embossed lotus imagery
• Eco-Friendly Production - Printed on 100% recyclable FSC-certified paper using sustainable materials
• Made in the USA - Manufactured by USPCC (United States Playing Card Company) to premium standards
• Complete Deck - Includes 52 premium cards, 2 jokers (standard black/white and colored versions), 1 double-back gaff card, and informational cards
• Limited Production Run - Produced in limited quantities (approximately 2,000 decks) making it a highly exclusive collectible within the Archive Series

Historical Significance:

The Lotus Back represents a fascinating moment in Bicycle history when design trends moved beyond bicycle-themed imagery to embrace broader artistic movements. The Egyptian Revival aesthetic and the complete absence of bicycle imagery make it one of the most distinctive early Bicycle designs. Its 52-year production run (1891-1943) demonstrates its enduring appeal and design excellence.

Perfect For:

• Design historians interested in Victorian-era aesthetics and the Egyptian Revival movement
• Card collectors seeking rare color variations of historically significant designs
• Bicycle brand collectors building comprehensive Archive Series collections
• Art and design enthusiasts who appreciate ornamental, botanical design elements
• Magic performers and cardistry artists who value historically significant designs
• Players seeking authentic reproductions of designs that shaped early American card manufacturing
• Gift-givers looking for cards with genuine historical and cultural significance

Why the Archive Series Lotus Back Matters:

By making the rare brown Lotus Back available again after more than a century, Bicycle honors one of its most elegant and underappreciated designs. The Lotus Back proves that not every Bicycle design needed to celebrate bicycles—sometimes the most elegant designs transcended the brand's core theme to become timeless works of ornamental art.