Jean Dodal Tarot Deck

Jean Dodal Tarot – A tribute to the origins of the tarot tradition

About this deck

The Jean Dodal Tarot is a beautifully restored historic tarot deck originally printed in 1701 in Lyon, France. This reissue has been carefully redrawn and colored to retain the soul and aesthetic of the original, with a refined look that appeals to collectors and contemporary tarot readers alike. A deck that is not only read but also admired as a cultural heritage.

Background and imagery

The cards follow the iconography of the Tarot de Marseille and are based on original copies from the National Library of France and the British Museum. What is special is the mysterious double naming of the maker – “Jean Dodal” on the Chalices Two and “Jean Dodali” on the Coins Two – probably a conscious choice to be attractive to the Italian export market. The addition of "F.P. Le Trange" (fait pour l'étranger – made for abroad) on some cards reinforces this theory.

how the deck comes to life in readings

For many, this deck feels like working with a piece of living history. The archetypal images, sober colors and subtle expressions bring a unique peace and depth to every lecture. The deck is especially loved by lovers of traditional Marseille tarot and offers a direct, symbolic reading experience without modern interpretations. The cards invite reading with feeling, meditation and study of tarot in its original form.

Is this deck welcoming to those just starting out?

For absolute beginners, the Marseille system may take some getting used to, because it differs from the well-known Rider-Waite-Smith deck. Yet many newcomers are attracted to the simplicity and clarity of the symbolism. Thanks to the careful restoration, this deck is also very suitable as a first introduction to historical tarot.

Material and design

The cards are printed on premium 310gsm card stock with a linen finish, which provides a luxurious feel and smooth shuffling. They come in a sturdy, elegant tuckbox with the card back design. The size of the cards is 70 x 120 mm and the weight of the set is 290 grams. The cards are mainly in French, with essential information added in English for ease of use.

Author

Jean Dodal (original), restored by tarot enthusiasts in the US

The original cards are the work of Jean Dodal, a mapmaker from Lyon in the early 18th century. This modern reissue has been carefully restored in the United States, retaining the original spirit but refining the design for contemporary use.

Key Features

• Number of cards: 78 (including information and promo card)
• Format: 70 x 120 mm
• Weight: 290 g
• Publisher: Tarot Collectibles (USA)
• Language: French (with English explanation)
• ISBN: Not applicable (custom edition)

Order now

be inspired by the energy of authentic tarot history with the Jean Dodal Tarot – a deck that connects you to the roots of the Western esoteric tradition.