The story of Una & the Lion is told in the first book of Edmund Spenser’s medieval epic The Faerie Queene, one of the longest poems in British literary history. Una is a beautiful princess who, on a quest to save her mother and father from a cruel dragon, is searching for Redcrosse, a noble knight whose destiny is to become St. George, the patron saint of England.
During her journey she faces many challenges that test her humility and determination, including when she is confronted by a fierce lion. Amazed by the sight of her beauty his rage turns to pity, and as Una continues on her quest the lion becomes her strong guard and faithful companion – keeping her from harm’s way.
Inspired by the history and symbolism of the prestigious pair, East India Company Collections’ exclusive ‘Una and the Lion’ series brings a modern perspective to this historic tale, with a new design released every year and issued as strictly limited editions.