Mughal-Inspired Deck of Cards

This project is a customised deck of playing cards inspired by Mughal emperors, princes, and princesses, reimagined through the lens of my own family. Each card represents a family member, portrayed as royalty and dressed in Mughal court attire while holding a modern object that reflects their personality and everyday habits. Drawing visual inspiration from Mughal miniature paintings, I referenced the formal compositions, gestures, and symbolism traditionally used to depict emperors and empresses. These classical elements were then personalised, and contemporary details were introduced to bridge past and present. For example, my mother appears as the Queen of Hearts holding a sheesha, referencing her favourite pastime, while my father, the King of Hearts, holds a Marlboro cigarette box and a beer bottle. By blending historical aesthetics with intimate, modern symbolism, the project transforms my family into a royal lineage, celebrating South Asian heritage, humour, and storytelling through illustration and character design.

Adobe Illustrator

July 2022