Four Courts Tarot

The Four Courts Tarot is a full 78-card tarot deck that draws inspiration from fantasy and legend, populating its cards with a diverse array of mythical beings such as fairies, mermaids, fauns, and elves. Each of the four suits is envisioned as a distinct magical realm, providing a rich thematic backdrop for the traditional tarot archetypes. The deck brings these legendary creatures to life through vibrant illustrations, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tarot system.

Illustrated by Xenia Gribanova, whose work is deeply influenced by Alphonse Mucha, Gustav Klimt, Aubrey Beardsley, Ivan Bilibin, and the Pre-Raphaelite movement, the deck draws on Art Nouveau aesthetics, symbolism, mysticism, and the mythologies of different cultures. Published and curated by Lotta Glybotskaia of Una in Space, the project successfully funded on Kickstarter, raising $70,370 from 1,035 backers.

The integration of diverse mythical beings into the tarot structure allows for a reading experience that is both familiar in its underlying system and novel in its imagery, appealing to those who appreciate fantasy and seek a deck with a strong thematic identity.

The artwork features a bold, illustrative style with strong outlines and a distinct color palette that varies by card, yet maintains overall vibrancy. Figures are stylized, with a clear influence from graphic design and modern illustration. For instance, 'The Chariot' card uses warm oranges, browns, and bright blues, depicting a figure on a winged horse with intricate details. The '7 of Pentacles' shows a green-dominated scene with a fairy-like figure, while another card features mermaids in shades of pink and red. The card backs are black with white line-art symbols, suggesting a contrast with the colorful fronts. The overall aesthetic is cohesive, dynamic, and modern, avoiding traditional or overly intricate fantasy art in favor of a clean, impactful visual language.

This deck is ideal for tarot readers who are drawn to fantasy themes, mythology, and magical creatures like fairies, mermaids, and elves. It will appeal to collectors who appreciate unique, modern illustration styles with bold colors and strong graphic elements. Readers who enjoy a narrative-rich experience and are comfortable with non-traditional interpretations of tarot archetypes will find this deck engaging. It is suitable for both experienced readers looking for a fresh perspective and beginners who are captivated by its aesthetic.

The Four Courts Tarot is illustrated by Xenia Gribanova, a tattoo artist whose work is deeply influenced by Alphonse Mucha, Gustav Klimt, Aubrey Beardsley, Ivan Bilibin, and the Pre-Raphaelite movement. In her art, she strives to find the magical within the ordinary, drawing inspiration from symbolism, mysticism, and the mythologies of different cultures. The deck was curated and published by Lotta Glybotskaia of Una in Space, who sees the world of tarot as a realm of meanings where each card becomes a living image and every deck turns into a distinct artistic statement.