King of Swords
Original Tarot Card
3.25 x 5.5"
Glair, 23k Gold Leaf, Genuine Silver Leaf on Pasteboard.
Back is blank.
Unframed. 
Original Tarot card handmade using historical techniques and materials. The card was handcrafted by making pasteboard from multiple layers of acid-free paper, finished with a paper wrapper, much like extant illuminated cards. The design was embellished with 23k gold leaf, genuine silver leaf, burnished to a high shine and tooled to create the background pattern. Finally, the figures were painted using handmade paints.
This card is based on the 15th Century Italian d'Este deck. 
The game of Tarocchi, or Tarot, became popular in 15th Century Italy.  Wealthy patrons would have commissioned hand painted decks with elaborate painting and gilding on each of the unique cards. There are only a precious few partial decks still in existence.