Tarocco Piemontese | Piedmontese tarot
The double ended version of the Piedmontese Tarot evolved during the second half of the nineteenth century, most probably in Turin. It is still produced and used today.
TAROCCO PIEMONTESI double-ended version
Although it originally was a single-figured, or full-length design, the double ended version of the Piedmontese Tarot shown on this page evolved during the second half of the nineteenth century, most probably in Turin. It is still produced and used today. The usual format is with Italian inscriptions (instead of French) and Arabic numerals on the trumps. The manufacturer's details can be read on the ace of coins. In the top row this reads: “Viassone Alessandro, Torino, Fabbrica Via Nizza 104, Deposito Via Arsenale 4” and there are two duty stamps, one dated “13 Gen 85”.
Above: Tarocchi Piemontese manufactured by Viassone, Turin, 1885 & c.1920.
Above: Tarocchi Piemontesi manufactured by Armanino, Rome, c.1965. The Ace of Cups is a chalice containing flowers.
Above: Tarocchi Piemontesi manufactured by Modiano. Image courtesy Rex Pitts.
The 78-card Italian ‘Piedmontese’ Tarot has survived where other styles have become extinct and is used outside Italy.
Above: Naipes Tarok (Tarocco Piemontese) by Cappellano S.A., Bs Aires, c.1970. 78 + 2 cards. Further examples of Tarocco Piemontese manufactured in Argentina are shown here→
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996
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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