The origins of playing cards are somewhat obscure. There are many unproven, controversial, and sometimes non-sensical theories concerning where and when people started to play games with cards. For example, some scholars indicate that playing cards were invented about 1000ad in China or Korea, and they may have evolved from a set of Chinese dominoes similar to the 19th century set (in the Museum's collection).

Other scholars indicate that dominoes as well as playing cards evolved from "flattened", marked, arrows much earlier than 1000ad. At times, one theory appears to be the "best one", and at times another seems more acceptable. On the other hand, some theorists indicate that around the 12th century AD, circular suited playing cards from India (which may or may not have come from China) found their way to Egypt and were modified somewhat in Egypt. By the 14th century AD the Egyptian deck found its way to Italy and Spain and soon after spread throughout Europe. 

Within each country a number of modifications were made to the deck of playing cards. It has been reported that the Tarot deck for example, was invented in Italy about 1440ad, but was based upon existing decks. Some authors are unhappy with these facts, and would have it that the other decks are based upon the Tarot deck!