True Black: The Tarot Deck

The True Black Tarot is a 78-card deck designed by Arthur Wang, inspired by the concept of timelessness and the human fascination with the unknown. The deck aims to be an artifact of collective consciousness, with figures and styling that are enigmatic and unplaceable in any specific time or place, yet resonate with facets of both the past and future. The artwork heavily incorporates celestial themes, featuring starmaps, constellations, and scientific discoveries that connect modern understanding with ancient wonder.

Beyond its artistic vision, True Black emphasizes exceptional quality in its construction. The cards are printed on thick 18pt suede-finished stock, which is 50% thicker than standard Rider-Waite decks, and coated with a tough, non-reflective, scratch-resistant, and water-resistant finish. Each card's edge is hand-painted black, ensuring a premium feel and durability for everyday use. The deck comes housed in a magnetic closure box, and an accompanying booklet, both adorned with black-on-black gloss/foil stamped designs.

The Major Arcana and Court cards feature figurative paintings, while the numbered Minor Arcana cards display their respective suit symbols: Swords, Cups, Wands, and Pentacles. Glossy black titles and distinctive glossy designs on the Major Arcana fronts further enhance the visual experience, complementing the painted artwork. The reversible card backs feature a glossy black starmap design, reinforcing the deck's celestial theme.

This deck is ideal for experienced tarot readers and collectors who appreciate high-quality production and a sophisticated, minimalist aesthetic. It appeals to those interested in themes of timelessness, the cosmos, and the human condition, presented through enigmatic, non-specific imagery. Readers who prefer a deck with a luxurious tactile feel and durable construction will also find True Black appealing. It is less suited for absolute beginners who rely heavily on traditional RWS imagery for immediate recognition.

Arthur Wang created True Black with the inspiration of timelessness at its core, aiming for a deck that feels as constant as human nature itself. His process involved hand-painting each illustration and referencing and photographing every model in-person to achieve the desired enigmatic presence. Wang's commitment to quality extended to the physical production, where he sought to set a new standard in build quality and execution, ensuring the deck's durability for everyday use. His previous successful Kickstarter poster projects provided the R&D and prototyping costs for True Black.