Jean Payen Tarot (1743) — Tarotgraphe Facsimile Edition

Jean Payen Tarot (1743) — Tarotgraphe Facsimile Edition
Limited to 35 Copies

Published in Avignon in 1743 by Jean Payen, son of the celebrated cartier Jean-Pierre Payen, this deck occupies a remarkable position in the history of the Tarot de Marseille. Research suggests it was produced from the same engraved woodblocks as the Tarot of Philippe Vachier from 1639, making it one of the oldest known Tarot de Marseille lineages in existence today. The two decks differ primarily in color, with the purple tones of the Vachier edition replaced by blue in Payen's printing, and several arcana titles revised as well.

Tarotgraphe's facsimile restoration was undertaken by Florent Giraud in Aix-en-Provence, approximately 69 kilometers from Avignon, with the permission of the Museo Fournier de Naipes de Alava, where the original is held. Lines, contours, faces, letters, and numbers have been fully reconstructed, and the colors restored to their mid-eighteenth century appearance. Original production flaws have been preserved throughout in keeping with the philosophy of respecting the source object rather than improving upon it.

78 cards plus one presentation card, printed on 350gsm stock at the original dimensions of 64mm x 117mm. Tuck box included. A handcrafted, hand-painted box is available as an optional upgrade for 30 euros. Printed in Aix-en-Provence.

Limited to 35 copies worldwide.