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| Posted: Mon May 25th, 2009 05:42 am |
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papoon
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Was recently lucky enough to find a reasonably priced copy of the beautiful Aurelia Books replica of the Mulûk Wa-Nuwwâb Mamluk deck. Printed for Aurelia by Carta Mundi, the deck was originally published in 1972 in a limited edition of 750 copies and then in 1977 an additional 246 copies of what was referred to as "Series B" was released. (Mine is 013 of Series B.)
The set, which consists of 54 cards, is a reproduction and reconstruction incorporating three incomplete decks of early Arabic cards currently in the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul. You can read about their history, which is fascinating, here and here.
The set is housed in a sturdy slipcase and includes the fairly large cards (about 3" x 8"), a 62 page book in English by Jan Bauwens, a chart indicating the identity of the court cards (there are no illustrations of people on the cards), and a rather amusing disclaimer by Mr. Bauwens about the book contents.
If you have an interest in the history of playing cards, this is a set definitely worth hunting down.
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| Posted: Mon May 25th, 2009 08:27 am |
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2nd Post |
goldenweb
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They're beautiful. Where did you learn of the existence of this replica? I've never heard of it before. (Don't reply if you'd rather not... )
Pen
Edited to add:
From that first link:
"the illustrations shown in this page are taken from a faithful replica
of the original cards, manufactured by Aurelia-Carta Mundi (Belgium)"
I'd never noticed that - must learn to read the small print.
Last edited on Mon May 25th, 2009 08:31 am by goldenweb
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| Posted: Mon May 25th, 2009 09:40 am |
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3rd Post |
gregory
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I bought these from US Games - in their offices in NY at that time; I walked in and bought loads ! - way back when they had recently come out. BUT - I did NOT get that chart and would LOVE a scan - or the book. 
They are BEAUTIFUL. They are mentioned in Paul Huson's book; that was where I first realised how important they were in tarot history. I have to say mine are not as BRIGHT as that though.
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| Posted: Mon May 25th, 2009 10:03 am |
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4th Post |
papoon
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I'll scan the chart tomorrow (actually later today). Unfortunately, the book doesn't lend itself to scanning.
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| Posted: Mon May 25th, 2009 10:12 am |
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gregory
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No - I thought the book wouldn't. But if you can supply its personal details, maybe I can track one down some day.... they are FASCINATING cards. Are yours THAT gold ? Mine have a definite gilding to them - but not that yellowy....
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| Posted: Mon May 25th, 2009 10:28 am |
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papoon
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gregory wrote:
No - I thought the book wouldn't. But if you can supply its personal details, maybe I can track one down some day....
I'll be happy to answer any questions about it. It's copyright 1972 and the copyright for the translation is 1975. Printed in Belgium by Pencoprint, Louvain. Legal Registration D/1972/1713/6.
Are yours THAT gold ? Mine have a definite gilding to them - but not that yellowy....
Because of the way the overhead light is reflecting, the bottom of the cards are a bit more intense than real life. But otherwise pretty close on my monitor.
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| Posted: Mon May 25th, 2009 10:28 am |
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7th Post |
gregory
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BTW mine says it is 693 of a limited edition of 750, and has no date - and someone on AT did scan/photocopy SOMETHING for me when we discussed it there - it MIGHT be the book you have - but it doesn't look like 64 pages worth. I must go look.....
The "yellow" on the cards is as yellow as that book ? WOW. Mine are definitely more "pale gold" than yellow - an the gilding is indeed gilding.
Last edited on Mon May 25th, 2009 10:30 am by gregory
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| Posted: Mon May 25th, 2009 08:48 pm |
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papoon
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Here's that chart:
 Last edited on Mon Mar 7th, 2011 01:09 am by papoon
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| Posted: Mon May 25th, 2009 08:50 pm |
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gregory
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Crumbs !!! Thanks.
That explains a lot !
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| Posted: Sun Jul 26th, 2009 08:50 am |
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TCO
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gregory wrote: I bought these from US Games - in their offices in NY at that time; I walked in and bought loads ! - way back when they had recently come out. BUT - I did NOT get that chart and would LOVE a scan - or the book.
They are BEAUTIFUL. They are mentioned in Paul Huson's book; that was where I first realised how important they were in tarot history. I have to say mine are not as BRIGHT as that though.
I only need one!
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| Posted: Fri Jul 31st, 2009 05:24 am |
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11th Post |
Langustl
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Wow, really beautiful 
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