Most charming set of miniature playing cards for use of a somewhat daring party game between young people of both sexes. The 42 cards, each with an illustration of a couple and a four-line verse, are either titled "Cloris" or "Roosje". The Cloris cards were divided between the boys and the Roosje cards between the girls. One of the young men would "propose" by reading the verse of one of his cards, and one of the young ladies would answer by reading hers. The verses were full of love and desire, but since the cards were read at random, Roosje's reponse would not always be the logical answer to Cloris' proposal, leading to hilarious situations.
The name of the game most likely refers to De bruiloft van Kloris en Roosje, which was a Dutch farce written by Dirk Buysero at the end of the 17th century. The play became incredibly popular. It was performed yearly throughout most of the 18th century and still widely known in the 19th century.
The slipcase is scuffed and partly torn around the edges and corners. Otherwise in good condition. Cat. De Koning 617; Gumuchian 3223.