Alan Tarot Deck

The artist who designed these cards, Argio Orell (1884-1942), apparently said of them, “These are the finest cards in the world, because all the others are ugly”. It is difficult to argue with that statement when one looks at the colours, the detail, and the context in which they were created. The original designs date from about 1914 and are in the late Art Nouveau style (called “Floreale” or “Liberty” in Italy). The courts are decidedly exotic and extremely stylish, as are the double-ended trumps. Together they represent the native peoples and places where the ships of the Austrian Lloyd company used to call. Orell particularly appreciated Japanese art and culture, both of which are strongly represented here. Further details about the artist can be found on the extra cards (one in Italian, one in English). The reverse no longer carries publicity for the shipping line • See the box

The court cards, minus the cavaliers, were later reduced in size to create a bridge pack generally known as “World Bridge”►

Above: Alan Tarot Deck designed by Argio Orell and made by Modiano, Trieste, Italy, 1981. 78 cards + 2 extra cards + 48-page booklet in English, in drop-lid box. Size: 62 x 100 mm.

Where does the name ‘Alan’ come from? ‘Alan’ is in fact the name of an Italian astrologist, Mauro Boldi, who presumably provided the text for the accompanying booklet, suggesting that the cards can be used for divinatory purposes. However, that was not the original purpose. The cards were intended for the game of Tarock.

In this reviewer’s opinion, this pack remains one of the most beautiful ever created.

Reference

Kaplan, Stuart R. The Encyclopedia of Tarot, Vol. I. New York, NY, USA: U.S. Games Systems, Inc.; 1978. p.316.