The House of Pomegranates (1914) by Oscar Wilde, illustrated by Jessie M. King

The House of Pomegranates (1914 edition) is a richly imaginative collection of four fairy tales by Oscar Wilde, lavishly illustrated by the Scottish artist Jessie M. King. Originally published in 1891, this particular edition by Methuen & Co. Ltd. is especially prized among collectors for its distinctive Art Nouveau design, bringing Wilde’s poetic and symbolic stories into harmony with King’s dreamlike illustrations.

The volume includes the tales “The Young King,” “The Birthday of the Infanta,” “The Fisherman and His Soul,” and “The Star-Child.” These stories explore deep moral and philosophical themes—vanity, sacrifice, innocence, beauty, and redemption—all wrapped in lush, fairy tale settings. Wilde described this book as “intended neither for the British child nor the British public,” signaling its complex, adult tone cloaked in the guise of children’s literature.

Jessie M. King’s contributions to the 1914 edition are celebrated for their delicate linework, intricate patterns, and otherworldly grace. Her illustrations—both full-page plates and decorative borders—are filled with slender, elongated figures, medieval motifs, and ornate textures that complement Wilde’s ethereal prose. King’s style is unmistakably her own, influenced by the Glasgow School and Art Nouveau, yet filled with a mystical sensitivity that lends itself beautifully to Wilde’s allegorical storytelling.

A jewel of early 20th-century book art, this King-illustrated edition is a must for Wilde enthusiasts and lovers of the Golden Age of illustration.

About the Illustrator:
Jessie Marion King (1875–1949) was one of the most original illustrators of the early 20th century, associated with the Glasgow School and the broader Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau movements. Her work is characterized by intricate pen-and-ink designs, luminous watercolor accents, and a deeply poetic aesthetic. King illustrated books by authors such as William Morris and Andrew Lang, but her work on The House of Pomegranates stands out as a pinnacle of her creative output. In addition to illustration, she was also a designer of ceramics, jewelry, and textiles, contributing to the decorative arts across many mediums.

Recommended for Collectors

• A House of Pomegranates (1891) illustrated by Charles Ricketts – Wilde’s original edition with Ricketts’ symbolic art
• The Green Fairy Book (1892), edited by Andrew Lang, illustrated by H. J. Ford – A classic fairy tale anthology with magical stories and detailed line drawings.
• The Happy Prince and Other Tales (1913) illustrated by Charles Robinson – For another Wilde fairy-tale collection
• The High History of the Holy Graal (1903) illustrated by Jessie M. King – Another of her Arthurian-inspired works

Other Jessie M. King illustrated works available in our gallery: The Defence of Guenevere, The Mummy’s Bedtime Story, The High History of the Holy Graal, Seven Happy Days, Poems of Spenser, Habitation Forcee.

Art Gallery: Jessie M. King – A House of Pomegranates 1914