Bottled Cloister

Bottled Cloister was originally introduced in the 2005 Magic: The Gathering expansion Ravnica: City of Guilds as part of the set's unique focus on multicolored mechanics and guild-based identities. It was designed as an artifact that rewards players for managing their hand size, forcing them to exile their cards during their turn and return them during their upkeep, representing the secretive and protective nature of the city's inhabitants. The card was reprinted in the 2024 Ravnica Remastered set, which aimed to curate the most iconic and mechanically significant cards from across the three distinct Ravnica blocks.

The original illustration was created by artist Heather Hudson, who utilized a rich, atmospheric style to capture the feeling of an enclosed, magical space. Her depiction of the Cloister emphasizes a sense of isolation and magical containment, aligning with the card's function of shielding cards from the player's own hand. The design is widely recognized by players for its unconventional gameplay rhythm, which requires careful planning to maximize the artifact's benefits while navigating its restrictive nature.