Medieval Scapini Tarot
This is a very rich looking deck, full of lots and lots of gold. The deck is done in an "old style" although it's not an old deck (only 1985). The art is old style (Middle Ages and Renaissance), and the order is old style (Tarot de Marseille rather than Rider Waite style). Justice is VIII and Force (strength) is XI. The High Priestess is called the Popess, Heirophant is the Pope, Strength is Force, the Tower is the Falling Tower, annd the Fool (although still zero) is positioned between Judgement and the World.
All cards, including the pips, are illustrated. This is not according to any old style I'm aware of, but I like illustrated pips. The illustrations often don't assist much at all in interpreting the cards on the pips, I've found. Some of them seem more like afterthoughts of space fillers than anything else.
The cards themsleves measure about 2.5 by 5.5 inches. they are a little too long for me to handle easily, but not impossible to work with. They are a good thickness and are durable. I bought my deck second hand, and it's apparent that it was used frequently. The fronts of the cards stood up well, but some of the gold ink on the back of the cards has worn. I don't notice any gold ink on my fingers after handling the deck, but the pattern is quite worn in the center of the cards where the thumb would be during bridge shuffle.
I recommend this deck for those who love gold and guilding! This is truly a rich looking deck. Also, for those who love old style artwork, but dislike Tarot de Marseille style decks, this deck may be a happy medium for you. I also recommend this deck for collectors and intermediate to advanced readers. Beginners may not get enough from the illustrations on the pips to get a good grasp of their meanings, or may be led off by illustrations which don't quite fit.
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