The popular lush Botan Tarot Deck is back!
Information about the differences in the second edition can be found below. Individual card photos are from the first edition and do not reflect the changes for the second edition.
The Deck
"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. Botan is also a play on the word "botanical", as the deck incorporates the use of Japanese flower language and other plant imagery throughout the deck.
Within this deck, you will find both the 22-card Major Arcana (painted in 2017) and the 56-card Minor Arcana (painted in 2019). 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.
There are a few key points where this edition will be different:
The Vessel - The box will now be book-style, with a soft layered watercolor effect in Japanese indigo (or “Botan Blue”) and a cover design inspired by vintage Japanese candy packaging. Within the box are icons representing the 4 kingdoms of the Suits of Swords, Wands, Coins, and Cups.
The Titles - Two of the card titles have been updated to reflect more accurately their roles in the Botan universe. They are The Teacher (previously The High Priest, more commonly The Hierophant in RWS tradition), and The Hanged One (previously The Hanged Man).
The Artwork - Seven of the cards have been updated with new artwork, all within the Major Arcana. They include The High Priestess, The Empress, The Emperor, The Teacher, The Star, The Moon, and The Sun. Since the creation of the 1st edition paintings in 2017, I’ve grown as an artist and as a person - these cards still embody much of the original design elements in their new reincarnations, but now I feel they convey their messages more clearly.
The Paper - The manufacturer has upgraded the 350gsm paper to a brand with better durability which is slightly thicker than the previous version.
The Creator
Addi Miyako is an artist and illustrator who draws inspiration from nature, Japanese folklore, and the feminine. Addi says this about the name of the deck: "Botan is a tribute to the space and memory in which I painted this deck - there is an old-fashioned Japanese candy called Botan Rice Candy, which I remember my grandmother giving to me as a child. The deck was painted entirely in the dining room of my grandmother's home, and the Minor Arcana specifically draws inspiration from the Japanese children's stories that she used to read to me."
You can find more of Addi's beautiful work on her website.
The Specs
- 78 card tarot deck
- 2.75" by 4.75" cards printed on 350 gsm cardstock with linen finish and rounded corners
- Full colour guide-booklet