Lilian Cailleaud’s Tarot Project

Published February 27, 2016 Updated November 24, 2023

Lilian Caillaeud lino-cuts his version of the tarot by Nicolas Rolichon of Lyon c.1600

FranceManufacturing ProcessesTarotWoodblockLilian Cailleaud

Lilian Caillaeud carves lino in his spare time. So in the spirit of sharing here is the first card of his version of the tarot by Nicolas Rolichon of Lyon c.1600

“My plan is to carve 1 card a week possibly two. The carving is the easy part it's the printing that gives me chills. I decided to add a few personnal touches. For example, I removed the shading lines and added decoration of my own. Each card measures 10.9 x 6 cm. If you’re interested I’ll keep you up to date with the project.”

 

the Hanged Man in progress

Above: the Hanged Man in progress.

Above: I had planned to do work on the ace of sword right after the fool. It was fun to do. You will notice that i made a few modifications to the design. I added garden lilies instead of the olive and laurel. My reasons for the design modifications are as follows : 1) my name comes from the lily... 2) being French I could not help remembering the arms of Joan of Arc. I replaced the fleur de lys by garden lilies.

Above: and voilà the first test. I am finishing the lines. Thinning here and there. Letters are always a nightmare especially when they are small.

Lino cutting tools

Above: my tools. I cannot do better proof work because I bring just the most essential tools to the office to work on my carving during my break.

Saint George slaying the dragon

Above: When I am not carving tarot cards I usually try my hand at other images from the 15th and 16th century. Here is Saint George slaying the dragon. All design taken from the incunabula era.

avatar
1,494 Articles

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.

Activity for Lilian Cailleaud’s Tarot Project

Sign in to comment or save this article.


Related Articles

1897 Tarot hiéroglyphique égyptien

Tarot hiéroglyphique égyptien

The design of the cards draws inspiration from various religious and philosophical traditions merged...

Dessoris

Dessoris

Spanish-suited cards by Dessoris, Perpignan, which anticipate the French Catalan pattern.

1690 Auvergne Pattern - Portrait d'Auvergne

Auvergne Pattern - Portrait d'Auvergne

The Auvergne pattern is one of the oldest in France.

1650 The Parisian Tarot

The Parisian Tarot

The “Parisian Tarot”, early 1600s, with imagery and design synthesizing several influences.

1788 Jeu de Cartomancie pour l’amusement des Dames

Jeu de Cartomancie pour l’amusement des Dames

Early French Cartomancy deck "for the amusement of Ladies" but also referred to as "Jeu divinatoire ...

1880 Oriental Scenes tarock

Oriental Scenes tarock

Trumps have oriental scenes on one end of the card, and mermaids, mermen, assorted sea serpents and ...

Besançon Tarot by Jacob Jerger

Besançon Tarot by Jacob Jerger

Besançon tarot published by Jacob Jerger, 18th century.

1650 Jean Noblet Tarot de Marseille

Jean Noblet Tarot de Marseille

Jean Noblet: the oldest known ‘Tarot de Marseille’ deck, Paris, c.1650.

1981 Tarot de l’An 2000

Tarot de l’An 2000

“Tarot de l’An 2000” designed by Pino Zac, 1981, satirising 20th century life.

Xilografías de Mallorca

Xilografías de Mallorca

Spanish National pattern re-printed from original woodblocks which are preserved in the monastery at...

Lyon Pattern type iii

Lyon Pattern type iii

This pattern was used in various parts of eastern France but was ultimately replaced by the official...

Richard Bouvier

Richard Bouvier

The assorted antique playing cards shown below are examples of the French 'Paris' pattern from the s...

1870 Boisse English pattern

Boisse English pattern

Boisse English pattern, c.1870 based on designs by De La Rue.

Paris Pattern

Paris Pattern

The Paris pattern was established as such around the middle of the seventeenth century (based, perha...

French Playing Cards

French Playing Cards

Some of the oldest cards still in existence come from France. During the 16th and 17th centuries Fra...

Early Anglo-French Cards

Early Anglo-French Cards

Cards produced in Rouen during the sixteenth century. It was cards like these which were imported to...

Regarding the designs of playing cards

Regarding the designs of playing cards

The quality of playing card designs often deteriorates with time…

1820 Russian Standard Playing Cards

Russian Standard Playing Cards

Cards from an early version of a Russian standard woodblock and stencil pack of circa 1820.

1999 Jason Ennis Tarot Cards

Jason Ennis Tarot Cards

Jason Ennis was a self trained artist interested in man's nature, his powers and abilities.


Sign in with Google