RELIGION IS THE OPIUM OF THE PEOPLE.
Rare deck of Soviet Union anti-religion propaganda campaign playing cards promoting atheism.
Anti-Religion deck had an initial printing of only 500 in USSR, 1930.
The deck assigned each of the suits to a different major religion.
Clubs = Eastern Orthodox.
Hearts = Roman Catholicism.
Diamonds = Judaism.
Spades = Buddhism.
Joker card appears as an illustration of a winged capitalist, wearing a top hat, pulling the strings which lead to four marionettes representing the four religions.
Back of cards show a horned face masque design and Star of David.
Illustrations on playing cards were meant to show the hypocrisy of the four religions.
Illustrations were created by S,D. Levashov.
Cards were printed in several versions during the 1930s to be distributed outside the Soviet Union.
Printed by the Soviet Union State Playing Card Monopoly, 1930.
Chromolithography on coated paper-cardboard-gilding.
53 cards, 52 cards represent the full four suits plus one Joker (pulling the strings).
Dimensions: 2 1/4 in. x 3 1/2 in.
Condition: complete set, good overall condition, soiling, edge handling and stains noted which commensurate with age and use.
Provenance: private estate.

*Decks were handed out by Soviets at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair.

Good original vintage condition, age appropriate.
In-house shipping available.