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Tarot Show 'N' Tell Special Edition: The Mamluk Cards

Tarot Show 'N' Tell Special Edition: The Mamluk Cards

Featuring Ulrich Kaltenborn in conversation with James Jude

Spend an evening exploring one of the most fascinating chapters in the history of playing cards and tarot.

Attend in person at TarotArts or join the live conversation online.

Where did tarot come from?

Join TarotArts for a special edition of Tarot Show 'N' Tell as researcher and deck creator Ulrich Kaltenborn joins James Jude for a live conversation exploring one of the most fascinating chapters in the history of cards.

Together they'll discuss the remarkable Mamluk cards, their restoration, their place in the evolution of European playing cards, and the traditions from which tarot would later emerge. Through historical images, restored artwork, and audience discussion, you'll discover why these extraordinary cards continue to captivate collectors, historians, and tarot enthusiasts alike.

Why the Mamluk Cards Matter

Many tarot enthusiasts know the history of the Tarot de Marseille or the beautifully painted Visconti-Sforza decks. Far fewer have encountered the remarkable Mamluk cards.

Long before tarot appeared in Renaissance Italy, the Mamluk playing card tradition was already flourishing throughout the Islamic world. The surviving Mamluk cards preserve that tradition, offering a rare glimpse into the foundations from which European playing cards—and eventually tarot—would develop.

Whether you're a tarot reader, collector, artist, historian, or simply fascinated by the stories behind the cards, this evening offers a unique opportunity to explore those shared roots with one of today's leading researchers in the field.

An Evening of Conversation

Rather than a traditional lecture, this special edition of Tarot Show 'N' Tell is designed as a live conversation between Ulrich Kaltenborn and James Jude.

Throughout the evening, they will explore:

  • The history of the Mamluk cards
  • Their relationship to European playing card traditions
  • The remarkable restoration process behind Trzes' Mamluk Deck (2nd Edition)
  • Historical comparisons with early European decks
  • Questions and discussion with both the in-person and live online audience

This is an opportunity not only to learn, but to participate in the conversation.

Meet the Presenters

Ulrich Kaltenborn is the researcher, historian, and creator behind Trzes' Mamluk Deck. Through years of careful study and meticulous restoration, he has helped introduce collectors, historians, and tarot enthusiasts to one of the most significant surviving ancestors of modern playing cards.

James Jude is the host of TarotArts' monthly Tarot Show 'N' Tell. With a passion for tarot history, symbolism, and community dialogue, James has a gift for making historical card traditions approachable, engaging, and relevant for modern readers.

Attend In Person or Live Online

Choose the attendance option that works best for you.

In-Person Admission

Join us at TarotArts in South Pasadena for an evening of conversation, learning, and community.

Suggested admission: $10. Pay what you wish at the door.

Live Online Admission

Join the event live from wherever you are.

Online registration: $10.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, July 15

Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Pacific Time)

Location:
TarotArts
1017 Mission Street, Suite A
South Pasadena, CA 91030

Format: A live conversation featuring historical images, visual comparisons, audience discussion, and questions from both our in-person and online audience.

Live Online Attendance: Online attendees will receive a link before the event and will experience the evening alongside those gathered at TarotArts, sharing in the conversation, presentation, and audience discussion as it happens.