Tarot Card Deck based on Vintage Japanese Art : 78 Cards

The Japanese Tarot Card Deck is a 78-card set, encompassing both the Major and Minor Arcana, that draws its entire visual language from historical Japanese art. The creator, Bobby Alexander, curated prints and drawings that are over 300 years old, integrating them into the tarot framework. This approach offers a distinctive aesthetic that blends traditional tarot symbolism with the rich artistic heritage of Japan.

The deck's concept is to provide a fresh perspective on tarot through the lens of vintage Japanese art. By utilizing historical imagery, the deck aims to evoke a sense of timelessness and cultural depth. The campaign emphasizes the age of the source material, highlighting the historical authenticity of the artwork used in the cards. This makes the deck a unique offering for collectors and readers interested in cross-cultural interpretations of tarot.

While specific details about the card stock, finish, or packaging are not provided in the campaign story, the core appeal lies in its thematic execution. The deck was successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2020, indicating a clear interest from backers in its unique artistic premise. The project focused solely on the deck itself, without mention of a companion guidebook, suggesting an emphasis on the visual experience and the reader's existing knowledge of tarot.

The artwork for this deck is composed of vintage Japanese prints and drawings, some dating back over 300 years. This means the visual style would likely encompass traditional Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, ink wash paintings, and other classical Japanese art forms. The aesthetic would be characterized by the distinct line work, color palettes, and thematic elements prevalent in historical Japanese art, such as landscapes, mythological figures, samurai, geishas, and nature motifs. The integration of these historical pieces into the tarot structure would create a unique visual narrative, contrasting with contemporary or Western-centric tarot art.

This deck is ideal for tarot collectors who appreciate unique cultural themes and historical art. It will appeal to readers with an interest in Japanese art, history, or spirituality, offering a distinct visual experience. Experienced tarot readers who are familiar with the Rider-Waite-Smith or other standard systems will likely enjoy interpreting the traditional meanings through this non-traditional artistic lens. It may be less suitable for absolute beginners without an accompanying guidebook.

Bobby Alexander created the Japanese Tarot Card Deck by curating and adapting historical Japanese prints and drawings. The inspiration for the deck came from the desire to merge the ancient art of tarot with the rich visual heritage of Japan, specifically utilizing artworks that are over 300 years old. The project was successfully launched on Kickstarter in 2020, garnering support from 106 backers who were drawn to its distinctive artistic concept.