The Four Mystic Treasures of the Shee
Daphne Allen
This evocative illustration from Daphne Allen was exhibited at the Burlington Gallery in May 1937.
It was among a series of illustrations inspired by Gaelic legends. In this particular image, Allen has depicted the immortal
race of the Tuatha de Danaan coming to Earth bringing four treasures - the Stone of Destiny, the Fiery Spear of the Sun
God, the Sword (or 'Glaive of Light') of the Sun God and the Cauldron of Abundance (sometimes called the Cup of
Healing and Friendship).
In later mythology, those treasures became symbols of a more mystical nature. The Stone acquired a dual symbolism,
sometimes regarded as a Crystal of Vision and Wisdom. The Spear and Sword were signs of Light and Strength, as opposed
to Darkness and Evil and - in still later legend - the sword appears again as Arthur's 'Excalibur'. The Cauldron becomes 'The
Cup of Healing and the Fulfilment of Heart's Desire' and its original somewhat homely virtue of providing inexhaustible
food and drink becomes a symbol that ends up as the Grail of Arthurian legend.
Those treasures came from the immortal cities at the four corners of the World. After the immortals who had brought
them had given place to the mortals who eventually possessed the World, they dwelt in the hills and became known as
the Sidhe (Shee), the fairy-folk.
.jpg) Full Image |
Single Greeting Card (with matching Envelope)
Code: DA FMTS SGC |
%20(detail).jpg) Detail (for reference) |
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Reproduction on 8x12" sheet
Code: DA FMTS 8x12 |
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Reproduction on 12x18" sheet
Code: DA FMTS 12x18 |
Our Greeting Cards
When presented on Greeting Cards, this image is prepared as a tipped-on plate - in hommage to the hand-crafted
approach typical of prestige illustrated publications produced in the early decades of the 20th Century. Each card is
hand-finished, with the image presented on Ivory card stock with an accompanying envelope. On the rear of each
card we also present some information about Daphne Allen and this wonderful illustration. We have left the interior
of the cards blank so that you may write your own personal message.
Our large format reproductions
Each of our large format reproductions are prepared with archival quality materials and processes to ensure many years
of enjoyment. In addition, our reproductions are accompanied by explanatory material relating to Daphne Allen and this
wonderful illustration.
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