Russian Tarot of St. Petersburg Tarot

Russian Tarot of St Petersburg Deck - Russian miniature art on 78 cards

Not many tarot decks carry the visible signature of a specific culture. This one does. The Russian Tarot of St Petersburg Deck brings together Russian folktales, historical motifs and decorative traditions in a visual form recognizable by the oval frames and rich use of colour.

Designed by Yury Shakov, internationally recognized specialist in Russian miniature art. Each of the 78 cards is set within an oval frame that references the world-famous Fabergé eggs. Dark backgrounds, golden accents, fine detail on a small surface. The result feels formal and lavish, almost like something you would expect behind glass.

What you see on the cards

Shakov paints scenes from old Russian folktales and myths. The clothing, settings and symbols reflect classical Russian decorative art and religious iconography. The colours are deep and saturated, with emphasis on red, gold and dark green.

The oval frames function as focal points: they force you to look at the centre of the card and shut out everything else. That gives each card something precious, but also makes them somewhat less fluid in their expression than a classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

The cards measure 70 x 120 mm, printed on smooth cardstock with a light gloss. They sit firmly in the hand and shuffle easily. The finish is careful, but not so smooth that the cards slip away during a reading.

How this deck behaves during readings

Many users describe the cards as intuitive. The images invite reflection without the symbolism feeling overwhelming. The structure follows traditional tarot, so anyone familiar with RWS meanings can work with this deck without preparation.

The guidebook is written by Cynthia Giles and covers both tarot meanings and cultural backgrounds. That second part is a strength of this deck: you learn not only about tarot but also about Russian myths and traditions.

Look closely at the details within the oval frames. Often there are small symbols embedded that help you interpret a card further.

About Yury Shakov

Yury Shakov was an internationally recognized artist specializing in Russian miniature art. His talent lay in painting very fine detail on small surfaces, a technique evident in every card of this tarot deck.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78 (Major and Minor Arcana)
• Card size: 70 x 120 mm
• Material: Smooth cardstock with light gloss
• Card language: English
• Guidebook: English, by Cynthia Giles, with cultural backgrounds
• Publisher: U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
• Artist: Yury Shakov

Questions we often get

Is this deck suitable for beginners?
Yes. The structure is traditional, the images are clear and the guidebook provides both meanings and context. The formal appearance may seem intimidating, but the cards are accessible.

What makes the design so distinctive?
The oval frames styled after Fabergé eggs, combined with dark backgrounds and golden accents. That design is found nowhere else in the tarot world.