History
Persian, the elegant and sometimes formidable evolution of Meowth, is an iconic figure from the first generation of Pokémon. Known for its silky fur and sometimes haughty temperament, it is particularly famous for being the preferred Pokémon of Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket, reinforcing its image of power and sophistication within the Pokémon universe.
This Persian 42/64 card is part of the Jungle expansion, the second main set of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, released after the Base Set. Jungle introduced 48 new Pokémon, significantly expanding the playable and collectible roster. A unique characteristic of first edition Jungle cards, like this Persian, is the absence of a set symbol (a flower) which only appears on unlimited edition prints.
The artwork for this card is by Atsuko Nishida, a prolific and highly regarded artist who contributed to many iconic cards from the early days of the TCG. Here, she captures Persian in a classic, proud pose, highlighting its feline silhouette and piercing gaze, true to the spirit of the Pokémon as known by fans.
Fun facts
- Persian is the signature Pokémon of Giovanni, the formidable leader of Team Rocket, underscoring its status in the criminal underworld.
- First Edition Jungle expansion cards, like this Persian, are identifiable by the absence of the set symbol (a flower), which is present on unlimited edition prints.
- Atsuko Nishida, the illustrator of this card, is also credited with designing the original concept for Pikachu, the franchise's most iconic Pokémon.