Centro Immagini “Le Carte di Halbatros” Fortune Telling and Wisdom Cards, Alessandro Bellenghi Designs, c.1976

Very unusual and strikingly colorful deck of cards titled "Le Carte di Halbatros," published by Centro Immagini of Milan and created/designed by Alessandro Bellenghi c.1976, to be used to "question destiny and receive good advice" ("per interrogare il destino e ricenverne buoni consigli"). According to the paper insert by Bellenghi, the cards are a hybrid ("un'ibridazione"), combining tarot and Chinese I-Ching elements ("il giuoco dei tarocchi ed il cineses I-King"). Some years later, in or about 1988, Bellenghi would write a book on Cartomancy.

There are 43 cards with illustrations, and 2 blank cards. The 43 cards are of 2 distinct types. A group of 27 "arcana" and a group of 16 circular "spirit cards." As noted, they are accompanied by an explanatory paper insert in Italian, written by Bellenghi. The cards are quite wide, measuring 95mm x 75mm; the backs are solid red. The cards have a thick paper "wrap" that closes around the cards and slides inside a sleeve, to form the "box."

The cards and pamphlet, and wrap are "as new." The sleeve has modest wear and some staining as shown in the photos.

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Item ID: T00001793