Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio (HUPO-Red) by Bloom

Where folklore meets artistry.

Inspired by the legendary Qing-dynasty collection “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio” by Pu Songling, the HUPO Red Edition deck brings ancient Chinese folklore to life through rich storytelling and beautifully detailed illustrations.

Each card captures a moment from this world of spirits, scholars, ghosts, and mythical beings — blending traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern playing card design. When combined, the cards reveal deeper connections and hidden imagery, making the deck both a functional playing tool and a collectible work of art.

Court Cards

The Court Cards feature vivid two-way illustrations of mysterious spirits and supernatural characters drawn from Pu Songling’s stories. From ominous specters to hauntingly beautiful ghostly maidens, each figure tells its own tale while reflecting the themes of transformation and the supernatural.

Number Cards

The number cards showcase a majestic gallery of characters — spirits, scholars, and divine beings — each illustrated in full-body portrait form. When arranged in sequence, the cards connect to form a mosaic puzzle of an otherworldly garden, offering collectors a stunning visual display.

Card Back Design

Animated Whirling Gateway Back

The back design merges two ancient Chinese motifs:

• Chuangling window lattice – symbolising the gateway between worlds

• Sacred wheel form – representing the eternal cycle of change

Together they create a segmented “Karmic Portal”. When the deck is fanned or flipped, the design creates the illusion of two rotating mandalas, forming a mesmerizing whirling gateway between realms.

• Inspired by Pu Songling’s Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio

• Rich folklore and supernatural storytelling across the deck

• Unique mosaic puzzle artwork formed by the number cards

• Mesmerizing animated card back design

• Perfect for collectors, cardistry, and fantasy art enthusiasts

• Edition: HUPO Red Edition

• Card Size: 63 × 88 mm (Poker Size)

• Contents: Standard playing card deck

• Theme: Chinese folklore & supernatural mythology

• Condition: New & factory sealed

• Suitable For: Cardistry • Collecting • Display • Gameplay

• Beautifully illustrated deck inspired by classic Chinese literature

• Interactive puzzle artwork across the number cards

• Dynamic spinning portal card back design

• A perfect deck for fans of fantasy, folklore, and artistic playing cards