Sola Busca Tarot
The Sola Busca Tarot is the oldest complete Tarot deck to have survived, dating back to the end of the 15th century (1491). It is famous for being the first deck in history to have all 78 cards, including the minor arcana, illustrated. Lo Scarabeo has reproduced this unique deck with the utmost historical accuracy, preserving its alchemical, hermetic and symbolic images.
Original author: unknown artist of Northern Italy, 15th century (engravings hand-colored)
Publisher: Lo Scarabeo
Year of publication: modern reissue from the late 1990s; one of the most famous editions - 2016.
Number of cards: 78 cards
Description of the edition: cards in a box with a booklet in several languages; original details are reproduced, historical color scheme
Subject: alchemy, ancient myths, biblical and hermetic symbols; medieval worldview in artistic form
Tradition: Historical deck from the 15th century, predecessor of the Marseille tradition
Illustrations: detailed engravings, hand-painted in a rich palette; each minor arcana is presented as a separate story
Size of the cards: large format, about 9 x 16 cm (depending on the edition of Lo Scarabeo)
Suitable for: collectors, Tarot historians, practitioners interested in the origins and evolution of the system; ideal for studying alchemical and hermetic symbolism
Sola Busca Tarot is not just a deck, but a rare historical monument. It opens the door to the world of alchemical and mystical ideas of 15th century Europe and shows how deeply rooted the symbolism of the Tarot is in the culture of the Renaissance.