Pike and Clover playing cards, and Rare Triumphs tarot

The Pike and Clover playing cards and Rare Triumphs tarot represent a project by artist Ian Cumpstey, deeply rooted in the aesthetics and structure of early historical tarot. The collection appears to offer two distinct decks: a standard playing card deck and a tarot deck, both sharing a consistent artistic vision. The blurb explicitly states inspiration from "early historical tarot," which is strongly reflected in the visual style, particularly the line work and color choices.

The tarot component, "Rare Triumphs," likely follows a system akin to the Tarot de Marseille (TdM) or similar pre-Rider-Waite-Smith traditions, given the visual evidence of cards like "Fortune" and "Time" which align with TdM iconography. The playing card component, "Pike and Clover," suggests a reinterpretation of traditional suit symbols, possibly incorporating historical European playing card traditions. The overall presentation aims for an authentic, vintage feel, appealing to enthusiasts of historical card games and traditional divination systems.

This project appears to cater to a niche audience that appreciates the historical evolution of card decks, moving beyond modern interpretations to explore the roots of both playing cards and tarot. The dual nature of the offering — a playing card deck and a tarot deck — allows for a comprehensive engagement with historical card art and its various applications, from games to divination.

This collection is ideal for collectors and enthusiasts of historical playing cards and traditional tarot systems, particularly those interested in the Tarot de Marseille or pre-RWS decks. It will appeal to readers who appreciate a vintage aesthetic and a more direct, less narrative approach to tarot imagery. Gamers interested in historical card games or unique playing card decks will also find the 'Pike and Clover' component appealing. It is less suited for beginners seeking a modern, intuitive, or RWS-based tarot experience.