Bicycle Cycle of Venus Playing Cards
The Zodiac, Reimagined Through Venus
Bicycle Cycle of Venus brings together the visual language of Japanese-inspired art with the symbolic rhythm of the Chinese Zodiac. Created by multi-award winning UK artist Jon-Paul Kaiser (JPK), the deck follows Venus as she moves through the twelve-year zodiac cycle, with each animal woven into her wardrobe, accessories, and surrounding details.
Known for his hand-painted sculptures and sharp use of contrast, JPK blends art, streetwear, history, folklore, vintage toys, and tattoo influences into highly detailed characters. His distinctive style has led to collaborations with global brands including Alexander McQueen, Peugeot, and Mighty Jaxx. His minimalist palette is used with purpose, framed by strong black-and-white light and shadow to give each figure the feel of a bold 2D illustration.
The Twelve Faces of Venus
Across the court cards, Venus transforms through the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Each court features a different animal, integrated into her clothing, pose, mask, ornaments, and visual identity.
The result is a character-driven deck where every face card feels like a different phase of Venus. From subtle accessories to more dramatic animal forms, each card becomes part of a larger zodiac cycle that collectors can follow throughout the deck.
A Back Design Full of Secrets
The back design brings the full world of the deck together in a symmetrical composition built from elements found across the face cards. Framed within the design is a central portrait inspired by the Venus artwork featured throughout the deck, surrounded by florals, clouds, suit symbols, and flowing ornamental details.
Look closer and all twelve zodiac animals begin to appear, carefully embedded into the artwork. Some are easy to spot, while others hide within the shapes and patterns, giving the back design an almost optical illusion-like quality.
Zodiac Detail, Bicycle Standard
From the hidden animals in the back design to the zodiac transformations across the courts, every detail is brought to life with the trusted quality of Bicycle® Playing Cards. Printed by The United States Playing Card Company on premium Bicycle stock with their signature Air-Cushion Finish®, the deck offers smooth handling, durability, and the performance collectors and card players expect from the Bicycle name.
Fast Facts:
- 100% custom artwork by Jon-Paul Kaiser
- Japanese-inspired visual style combined with Chinese Zodiac symbolism
- Symmetrical back design with all twelve hidden animals
- Fully customized faces, backs, jokers, and tuck box
- Officially licensed by Bicycle®
- Signature Air-Cushion Finish®
- Photography and styling by Kandou
A zodiac art deck produced by RunIt Decks, illustrated by Jon-Paul Kaiser.