Chang'an's Illusion Tarot

Whenever the Great Tang is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is the vast territory of the Tang Empire—its countless regional landscapes, ancient and enduring legends, and the diverse voices and costume imagery nurtured by the cultural exchanges between different ethnic groups.
This tarot deck chooses to follow in the footsteps of wandering poets, starting from Chang'an, the heart of the Tang Empire, journeying through the four major strongholds of the Anxi Protectorate—Shule, Khotan, Kucha, and Suyab—then crossing the Tibetan Kingdom, passing through Dali and the Pyu Kingdom, and finally experiencing the profound influence that envoys from the Asuka and Nara periods brought to the Land of the Rising Sun. If you too hear the melodious music of the pipa, then join us in traversing the vast rivers and mountains of the Great Tang.

In the tarot creation process, every symbolic element on each card was carefully considered. I drew traditional aesthetic nourishment from ancient artifacts of various nations, using tarot's classic symbolic language to combine historical gravitas with modern aesthetics, ultimately presenting this unique deck that blends ancient and contemporary elements.
Through deep research into tarot's symbolic system and historical cultural connotations, this work is not only a tribute to the prosperous Tang Dynasty, but also an innovative practice in tarot artistic expression. I hope every tarot enthusiast can feel the charm of Tang culture and the deep integration of tarot wisdom in this deck.

Page of Wands
Event/Character: Pyu Civil Official
Keywords: Enthusiastic spirit, thirst for knowledge, swift messenger, budding inspiration, curious exploration
Card Description: The clerk is full of innocence and curiosity, his little head always coming up with interesting ideas. He secretly opens documents about the "Palm Leaf Sutra," placing the vajra on his lap, showing a state of exploration and learning. Living each day carefree, embodying the pure enthusiasm of the learning stage.
Meaning: Represents enthusiasm in the learning stage, the budding of new ideas, young people bringing messages. Emphasizes the importance of curiosity and innovative thinking.
Upright: Diligent learning, wonderful ideas, good news frequent, creative inspiration, enthusiastic spirit
Reversed: Distracted mind, sudden bad news, inspiration exhausted, academic difficulties, superficial attempts

Knight of Cups
Event/Figure: Snow Region Knight
Keywords: Romantic pursuit, idealism, acting for love, firm beliefs, warning against deception
Card Description: A knight comes through the snow, eyes resolute, combining gentleness with determination, carrying a mission to pursue emotional ideals. He calmly emerges from wind and snow, as if confident about everything.
Meaning: Represents a romantic pursuer, advancing for beliefs. When reversed, beware of emotional deception. However, it may also represent a false friend, a stranger from afar, or a seducer. One should grasp current destiny and judge carefully.
Upright: Romantic pursuit, idealism, advancing for love, brave and determined, deeply affectionate
Reversed: False emotions, unrealistic, emotional deception, impulsive and reckless, losing direction

Queen of Swords
Event/Character: Western Region Queen
Keywords: Independent and decisive, rational and wise, keen perception, fair and strict
Card Description: A Western Region queen dressed in Tajik attire, standing with sword in hand, her gaze sharp and piercing, every gesture displaying wisdom and majesty. She is an intelligent female autocrat who has broken away from the king, wielding the sword herself and grasping power in her own hands, possessing masculine boldness and decisiveness. Rather than calling her a queen, she represents the epitome of female rulers among the 36 kingdoms of the Western Regions.
Meaning: Symbolizes wisdom and independent spirit forged through trials and tribulations. However, it may also represent cunning, disloyalty, and malice—a widow or an abandoned person. The power of independence can bring both liberation and isolation.
Upright: Independent and autonomous, rational and composed, insightful about worldly affairs, just and strict
Reversed: Harsh and unfeeling, cold and obsessive, vindictive, solitary and narrow-minded

Page of Pentacles
Event/Figure: Echizen Seeking Coins
Keywords: Beginning of study, new strategies initially decided, having some skills
Card Description: An Echizen girl discovers a coin in the mountains, looking up at pentacles in the sky, surrounded by lush mountain wilderness, overflowing with desire for knowledge and opportunities for growth. She is calm and composed, possibly a female official, also like a knowledgeable scholar.
Meaning: Indicates the beginning stage of learning practical skills and grasping realistic opportunities. However, it may also represent a selfish, jealous relative, or a messenger bringing bad news. Young thirst for knowledge can bring growth but may also bring troubles.
Upright: Thirsty for learning, planning new chapters, skill acquisition, steadily advancing, diligent in study
Reversed: Academic obstacles, plans shelved, rusty skills, restless heart, neglecting practice