€ 31,50
This deck looks like a collection of saint portraits drawn from a Byzantine manuscript. Bulgarian artist Atanas Atanassov illustrated all 78 cards in the style of classical icon art: stately figures, golden halos and symbolic colours rooted in religious tradition. Every card is printed with glossy gold foil.
By candlelight, the gold foil reflects in a way that deepens the deck's contemplative atmosphere considerably.
Only 1 left in stock
Not every tarot deck looks like a gallery of saint portraits. This one does. Golden Tarot of the Tsar brings the visual language of Byzantine icons and Russian religious miniatures into the structure of the Rider-Waite system.
Bulgarian artist Atanas Atanassov drew all 78 cards in the style of classical icon art: stately figures, golden halos, symbolic colours and postures that trace directly back to ancient religious traditions. Every card is printed with glossy gold foil, which gives the deck an almost sacred glow in the light.
The major arcana show scenes from the lives of Christian saints and biblical figures. The High Priestess wears a veil and sits before a background of ecclesiastical architecture. The Fool wears jester's clothing, but his posture and setting suggest a medieval miniature more than a playful wanderer.
The minor arcana follow the same pattern. Wands, cups, swords and pentacles are embedded in scenes that resemble tableaux from old religious manuscripts. The colour palettes are rich: deep red, royal blue, ochre, ivory, and everywhere that warm, glowing gold.
The cards measure 66 by 120 mm, a narrow format that shuffles comfortably but rewards careful handling when laying out. The cardstock is sturdy, the print sharp. The gold foil is not a subtle accent. It stands out. Even more so by candlelight.
Golden Tarot of the Tsar follows the Rider-Waite structure, but the visual language is completely different. Where classic Rider-Waite decks work with clear symbolism and recognisable scenes, this deck requires familiarity with Christian iconography. A figure with a halo is not just a person. A golden background stands for divine light.
That makes this deck less immediately accessible than a standard Rider-Waite. You need to be willing to invest time in understanding the religious references. The included guidebook helps, but it is concise. You will have to make many of the connections yourself.
Try laying the cards out by candlelight. The gold foil reflects the light in a way that makes the deck almost meditative. That matches the atmosphere Atanassov creates.
This deck is designed for anyone looking for something visually and symbolically richer than a standard tarot. Familiarity with the basic structure of tarot is a real prerequisite here. The imagery is too layered to serve as a first deck.
Many people do not reach for this deck for quick daily draws, but for moments when they have time to sit with a card. The stately imagery does not invite haste.
Atanas Atanassov is a Bulgarian artist who specialises in classical and religious art styles. His work is characterised by fine detail and a clear respect for traditional techniques. With this deck he bridges historical religious art and the tarot system.
Do you need to be religious to work with this deck?
No, but you do need to be willing to read into Christian symbolism. The cards constantly refer to saints, biblical scenes and iconographic traditions. Without that context you miss a significant layer of meaning.
Does the gold foil stay beautiful with regular use?
If you handle the cards with clean hands and store them in the box, the gold foil stays intact for years. It is sensitive to scratches, so shuffling while wearing rings or with hard nails is not recommended.
| Auteur | Atanas A Atanossov |
| ISBN | 9788883951800 |
| Uitgeverij | Lo Scarabeo |
| Taal | English |
| SKU | 0468-LS38 |
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