Soprafino Tarot - Review

One of the great masterpieces of the prestigious nineteenth-century Italian tarot custom, the Tarocco Sopraffino was initially printed in Milan by Ferdinando Gumppenberg. This limited, numbered deck is essential for Lo Scarabeo's top-of-the-line Anima Antiqua (Ancient Soul) arrangement and has been affectionately replicated from firsts found in a portion of the world's best tarot assortments. The premium cardstock and choice box make for a rich, collectible configuration that exhibits this lively deck in the entirety of its authentic wonder.

This deck is a remake of a 19th-century deck. The Soprafino was created in 1830 when Fernando Gumppenberg hired Carlo Dellarocca to redesign the exemplary classic 78 card deck. Each card is colored by hand, hence the name Soprafino (very refined). This deck is by Osvaldo Menegazzi and is a brilliant reproduction down to the age stains on the cards. The craftsmanship is incredible. It is exceptionally definite and the tones are delicate and warm. Every scene has a focal character. Individuals have brilliant outfits and blushing cheeks. The deck is somewhat more modest than normal at 4 1/8" X 2 1/8". The cards give off an impression of being delicately covered and could be rearranged and read with. 

There is no booklet, but a leaflet by Osvaldo Menegazzi. It is written in English. It gives a concise history and a few directions on the best way to utilize the cards. The sheet gives implications to the Majors too. The deck is bundled in a two-piece papered wood box.

This deck is issued in a limited edition of 2000 numbered decks. I recommend it for collectors and for anyone who wants a beautiful deck in the Marseilles style.

Name: Soprafino Tarot (Tarocco Soprafino di F. Gumppenberg Milano 1835)

Creators: Carlo DellaRocca

Cards: 78

Major Arcana: 22

Minor Arcana: 56

Card Dimensions: 4 1/8" X 2 1/8"

Publisher: il Meneghello 1992