Oriental Scenes tarock
Trumps have oriental scenes on one end of the card, and mermaids, mermen, assorted sea serpents and monsters on the other end.
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►
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996 • Contact
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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