The Tarot deck referred to as 22 Arcani i Cani del Mondo (translated as 'dogs of the world') features a different dog breed from around the world on each of the twenty-two cards. Produced by Menegazzi Osvaldo of Il Meneghello, this deck was created and released in 1990, when only two thousand decks were produced. Each deck is numbered, and no more than the original two thousand were ever created.
22 Arcani i Cani del Mondo features the twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana. All are printed in black and white on cream colored stock. At 3.5 inches wide and 5 inches high, this deck is one of the larger Tarot decks out there, but it is still comfortable to use. It's not typically enlisted during readings, however, because it is not a fully deck. Though some combine the twenty-two cards with the Minor Arcana of another deck, most choose to use this deck for display purposes only. It is mostly of interest to Tarot collectors and enthusiasts, not your average Tarot reader.
The Tarot deck referred to as 22 Arcani I Gatti Buffi (translated as 'the funny cats') is the second of two cat-themed decks produced by Menegazzi Osvaldo of Il Meneghello. I Gatti Buffi is the larger of the two, measuring five inches high, and is printed on whiter card stock than its smaller cousin. Released in 1990, only 2000 copies of this rare deck were produced. All are numbered and signed.
While the cats on the smaller deck are more regal and sophisticated, the cats decorating I Gatti Buffy are funnier, giving the deck a lighter feel. These cats come across as playful, even mischievous, bringing a sense of fun to the Tarot.
Despite its cute appearance, this Tarot deck is not typically used for Tarot readings because it contains only the twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana. Its really more designed for Tarot collectors or anyone who loves cats, but it can be used for readings if combined with the Minor Arcana from another deck.
The tarot deck referred to as 22 Arcani I Gatti (translated as 'the cats') is one of two feline-themed decks produced Menegazzi Osvaldo of Il Meneghello. I Gatti is the smaller of the two, measuring only three inches high. Printed on cream-colored card stock, this deck is considered a limited edition deck because only 2000, all numbered, were released. Black and white, this deck features cats which appear more majestic and sophisticated then the cats which appear on the large deck, usually referred to as 22 Arcani I Gatti Buffi (typically translated as 'funny cats').
Since this deck only contains the 22 cards of the Major Arcana, it's not generally used for Tarot readings. Instead, its target audience is collectors and enthusiasts who admire the beauty of cats and Tarot, especially when mixed together. Of course, you certainly can use them for readings, especially if you add the Minor Arcana from another deck, but since they are limited edition, most people who have this deck do not actually use it for Tarot readings.
The 22 Arcani Futuristi was designed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Futurist Movement. The deck was released in 2009, just in time for the anniversary itself. This Tarot deck is very limited and each deck is numbered and signed by the artist Osvaldo Menegazzi. The box the 22 Arcani Futuristi comes in is also handcrafted.
This fantastical deck features brightly colored symbols all based on the original 22 cards of the Major Arcana. There are only 22 cards in this deck, so it can be combined with the Minor Arcana from another deck for a full reading. The illustrations are lovely and mounted on a heavy cardstock. There is a dark brown paper wrapping as a backing; this backing folds around to the front of the cards so it is visible at the corners of each face, giving the deck a splendid antique look.
Because each deck is handcrafted (as well as the box), each deck and box are unique. The deck was available in three versions. The large size is approximately 6"x4". The smaller version is only 3½"x2¼". There is also a large deck that comes in a large decorated cardboard box. Its cards measure approximately 5½"x4".
This deck can be used for Tarot readings, but it is more designed for Tarot collectors and enthusiasts. Its powerful artwork makes a great addition to any collection.
