The Establishment of the 54-Card System
Historians have discovered a hidden connection between the 54-card system and astronomy and the calendar. The 52 standard cards correspond to the 52 weeks of the year, while the two Jokers symbolize the sun and moon. This design first appeared on ukulele cards produced in the United States in 1860.
Evolution with Local Characteristics
During the Ming and Qing dynasties in China, playing cards further evolved into forms with local characteristics, such as "Ma Diao" and "Water Margin" cards. During this period, the Ming dynasty painter Chen Hongshou's "Water Margin Cards" depicts 40 vivid character images on the cards, while the Qing dynasty's "Yangzhou Painting Boat Records" details the 30-card rules of the "Fighting Tiger" game, a game widely popular in the Jiangnan region.
