Oriental Scenes tarock

The double-ended trumps have oriental scenes with groups of people on one end of the card, and mermaids, mermen, assorted sea serpents and monsters on the other end. The juxtaposition of these two themes on the trump cards adds amusement value to the set. The borders are zig-zag inside parallel lines.

Sometimes known as “Land & Sea” tarot, “Fish-tail” or “Baltic” tarot, these are known in several versions.

Above: there is a duty stamp on the ace of clubs with "13 Avril 1880".

The Court Cards

The 16 court cards read “B.P. Grimaud France”.

Above: Oriental Scenes tarock published by B P Grimaud & Chartier, Rue de Lancry 54, Paris,1880. 78 cards with French suit-marks in tuck-box. Chromolithograph; size = 10.5 x 5.5 cm; backs printed in black with alternating black and white boxes which form a pattern of diagonal lines.

The case is lettered “B.P. Grimaud Tarot Ancien 78 Cartes. B.P. Grimaud & Chartier, 54 Rue de Lancry, Paris”. Inscribed in pen and ink on the case “Bought at Vitteaux where I saw the game of Tarot being played. Summer 1926 R.Steele” • See the box►