Deck Preview: True Black Tarot
I'm lucky enough to be able to write this blog post because that means I've got my hands on the prototype of a brand new tarot deck by designer Arthur Wang; True Black Tarot. It's currently being funded on Kickstarter so if it calls to you, make sure to check out the campaign!
Because I'm working with a prototype, I can't tell you how a full deck reads, but I can give you my initial impressions on what I've been able to sample. Visually, it's nothing short of stunning - but that's just on first glance. They say the Devil is in the details and if that's the case then Satan himself must have a hand in this project. Everything has been done with such care and quality, and the more you look at each card, the more you see, but there is more here than just design. The cards themselves are crafted with very thick stock using enhancements that allow some details to seemingly shimmer and glow. There are no borders (often a preference for us readers) and the edges are hand-painted black - yes, hand-painted. I'm obsessed - and I think you will be to. I mean, just LOOK AT THEM!
Ace of Cups, King of Cups, Ace of Swords
The sun on this Justice card literally looks like it's burning. No fancy filter, the card actually gives this impression irl.
The Destiny card is a good example of tiny details adding extra significant. Also, here are the card backs if you're wondering what those look like.
I'm not sure how to describe the aesthetic here - true to it's name, it's very black; some may say "goth" but I'm not sure I'm in that camp. Maybe I'd describe it as futuristic fantasy; tarot for the new new age? Perhaps that's because there is something about the overall presence of these cards that either transcends what I've come to associate with tarot, or perhaps they just walk a good line. Anyway, I'll let the images above speak for themselves and you can take my word that the quantity of this product is second to none.
Of course, you'd like more information on this beautiful/magickal set of cards, head on over to the Kickstarter and be among the first to get your hands on this must-have deck!
Yours truly,
Julia