Unboxing, First Impressions & Review
I have been obsessed with this deck ever since I saw it on one of @moonlit_faye's post a few years ago. Back then it was only a Major Arcana Deck.
WHAT I LIKE: 1. THE ARTWORK & CARD STOCK. Each image is hand-drawn and painted by Miyako, using watercolour paints and coloured pencils. Cards measure 2.75" by 4.75" on 310gsm black core cardstock with linen finish and rounded corners. 'The Major Arcana is contemporary in design, with influences from Art Nouveau, Japanese flower language, and the creator's family history. The Minor Arcana uses the same aesthetic, with folktale characters reimagined, symbolism in elements, plants, and animals, and cohesive colour stories.'
The deck has a combination of animal and human imagery. Also, if you noticed, the 'scary' cards are not scary at all.
'"Botan" in Japanese (written 牡丹) means "peony", which is the flower prominently featured on the back design of the tarot deck as well as on several cards. In Japanese flower language, peonies represent bravery.' I also got a free Clear Quartz,
Gold gilded edges. Just bummed out with the miscut.
2. GUIDEBOOK Guidebook is coloured and there are keywords written on each card.
3. AVAILABILITY
This is no longer available on Kickstarter but you can purchase a copy here direct from the creator.
4. SHIPPING
Received in a month via Post Office with Php 112 tax.
WHAT I HATE:
The printing boo boo cut. T_T
SCORE: ★★★★
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Was surprised when I received this deck earlier than expected. I was also not expecting the energy being intense. I look forward to connecting and learning from this deck. This deck now holds a special place to my heart because as I write this review I am currently obsessing with platinum blonde hair (again) and squealed when I saw the Queen of Swords. I actually forgot that it was this particular card that made me buy this deck.
The Botan Tarot deck is recommended for intermediate level tarot readers.
That concludes my review of The Botan Tarot.
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