This photographic facsimile replica 78 card tarot deck was published in 1985 by Andre Dimanche and the "Societie Le Jeu de Marseille" of the Paris Tarot, with cards manufactured by Grimaud. The original cards reside in the Biblioteque Nationale in Paris. Every card in this replica has a small 'BN' stamp at the card bottom.

The black line-art woodcut illustrations have stencil-filled colored areas in bright red, mustard yellow, deep green, varying blues, browns and pinks. None of the line art on this replica has been altered, corrected or cleaned up, remaining faithful to the original cards. Printed on a thick, cream colored stock, which is semi-gloss coated.

First created sometime between 1600 and 1650, the Tarot of Paris is possibly the oldest complete 78 card tarot deck known today. There are some visual and title differences between this and the more well known Marseille-type tarot by Grimaud, which was created by Paul Marteau in the 1930's, who based his imagery on the Conver Marseille. The Conver was originally produced around 1760, so the Paris designs predate the famous Conver pattern by as much as 150 years.

Major Arcana, Aces and Court Cards have French titles. Minor Arcana of D'Espee, Coupes, Baston & De Deniers show pip symbols for the suit cards, and animals with flags on Aces. Court cards are traditionally arrayed, with beautiful period costume of varying types. 2 title cards (in both English & French) are included, with some historical info.

52 page booklet (in French) contains a detailed history of Tarot and the influences on the Paris deck. Major Arcana cards are given detailed descriptions, with upright & reversed meanings. Minors are given brief associations by suit. 2 layouts described.

This is a brand new sealed copy from a forgotten group in storage since the 1985 printing. Photos and scans are from an identical opened deck.

Card Dimensions:
2 3/4" x 4 7/8" x .013"
69 mm x 123 mm x .33 mm

References & Reviews:
Encyclopedia of Tarot: Vol. III, pp. 410, 420

EAN13
3770003412007