Lot #43: The Golden Tarot: Visconti-Sforza Deck Box Set by Mary Packard

The Golden Tarot: Visconti-Sforza Deck Box Set by Mary Packard Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Tarot with The Golden Tarot Visconti-Sforza Deck Box Set by Mary Packard, a beautiful recreation of one of the oldest tarot decks in existence, dating back to the mid-15th century. This deck includes 78 authentically recreated tarot cards, a 144-page book with the history and instructions, a purple satin cloth, all housed in an elegant storage box. This set is new, but I am moving and must downsize. An Exceptional Collector’s Opportunity Up for auction is Lot 43, a magnificent historical box set containing a faithful and stunning reproduction of the mid-1450s Visconti-Sforza Tarot deck. Universally recognized as one of the oldest and most historically significant tarot structures in existence, this premium edition by Mary Packard brilliantly honors the Renaissance masterpieces originally commissioned by the Duke of Milan. Every card features majestic, shimmering gold metallic foil borders and backgrounds, designed to accurately emulate the hand-painted, illuminated details of the surviving museum originals. The heavy-duty display box is beautifully adorned with a stylized recreation of the iconic Visconti family Raza (radiant sun) heraldic emblem. Kit Components & Specifications: 78 Authentically Recreated Tarot Cards: Crafted with gorgeous gold-foil detailing that catches the light beautifully. 144-Page Companion Guidebook: An in-depth book detailing the rich Renaissance history, family portraits, and easy-to-follow layout spreads. Purple Satin Tarot Cloth: A luxurious, smooth fabric layout mat to safely present and preserve your cards during spreads. Elegant Storage Box: A durable, magnetic keepsake display case. Dimensions: Heavy-duty box measures approximately 9" x 7.5" x 1.75". Publisher: Race Point Publishing / Quarto Group. Condition Report: Excellent, pristine condition throughout. The outer display box shows sharp corners with minimal shelf wear. Internal components—including the 78 gold-foil cards, the 144-page reference book, and the purple satin reading cloth—remain exceptionally clean, crisp, and well-preserved. New Key Features Author: Mary Packard Historical Significance: Based on the mid-1400s Renaissance deck commissioned by Filippo Maria Visconti and Francesco Sforza. Art Style: Features gold-foil accents on the cards to replicate the original hand-painted, illuminated masterpieces. Heraldic MeaningThe Radiant Sun: This emblem features a blazing sun with stylized wavy and straight rays shooting outward. Historical Origin: It was an imperial motif associated with Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the first Duke of Milan, and was used extensively to signify dynastic legitimacy and divine right. Tarot Connection: You will often see this exact radiant design or similar sun-burst emblems emblazoned across the robes, banners, and backdrops of the court cards throughout the included Visconti-Sforza deck. Historical Context & Meaning Sister Manfreda: The woman depicted is widely believed to represent Manfreda da Pirovano, a relative of the Visconti family. She was elected "Pope" by a heretical 13th-century religious sect called the Guglielmites. The Papal Tiara: She wears a distinct three-tiered papal tiara, which directly challenged the authority of the Catholic Church at the time. The Book and Staff: In her hands, she holds a closed book of divine knowledge and a pastoral staff, symbolizing deep spiritual wisdom, intuition, and hidden secrets. Pickup at Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue Dimensions: 9" x 7.5" x 1.75" Pickup category timeslot {A}