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Trzes' Mamluk Deck

Trzes' Mamluk Deck

$85.00
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Historical Significance

Long before the Tarot de Marseille or the Visconti-Sforza decks, the Mamluk playing cards were in circulation—crafted in the Islamic world and introduced into Europe via trade routes. These cards influenced the formation of early European playing cards, which would eventually give rise to tarot decks in 15th-century Italy. The four suits—Coins, Cups, Swords (Scimitars), and Sticks (Clubs)—mirror those found in traditional tarot minor arcana, proving the deep ancestral link. This deck allows collectors to hold in their hands a true predecessor of the tarot, offering insight into the aesthetic and structural DNA that shaped the cards we use for both play and prophecy today.

Artistry & Craftsmanship

Each card is a work of faithful homage, created with care to preserve the essence of the original Topkapı Mamluk deck:

  • 61 cards total, including 56 standard Mamluk cards and 5 bonus/traditional variants
  • Printed on high-quality card stock
  • Features stylized Arabic calligraphy and poetic inscriptions on the court cards
  • Housed in a rigid, museum-quality two-piece box
  • Includes a comprehensive booklet and reference sheet

The cards are unusually large—measuring about 2.8 x 7.5 inches. Even so, they are still only about 75% of the size of the original Topkapı deck, making them more manageable while retaining the grandeur of the historical proportions.

The calligraphic phrases—praising kingship, wisdom, or virtue—replace figurative court images, reflecting the artistic and religious norms of the Mamluk culture. These phrases add a layer of spiritual resonance that enhances both historical appreciation and meditative reflection.

For the Tarot Enthusiast

While this deck is not a tarot deck in the modern sense, it is a cornerstone of tarot history. The Mamluk Deck serves as:

  • A learning tool for students of tarot structure and history
  • A meditative object for those seeking inspiration beyond iconographic systems
  • A collector’s treasure, bridging cultural, geographic, and temporal divides
  • A reminder that tarot’s foundations are grounded in centuries of human curiosity, design, and storytelling

For readers and teachers alike, it sparks rich discussions about where the tarot truly began—and how its form continues to evolve.

A Collector’s Masterpiece

Originally launched as a Kickstarter campaign, this limited-edition deck quickly funded and attracted widespread interest from card historians, tarot scholars, and esoteric collectors. Its rarity, paired with its historical value and artistic quality, makes it a standout piece in any collection. Whether displayed, studied, or simply admired, Trzes’ Mamluk Deck is a compelling reminder that every shuffle of the cards carries echoes from the past.