David Oscarson Tree of Life Azure Blue Pen

The Tree of Life is the eleventh Collection in the David Oscarson™ series of Limited Edition writing instruments. Produced in five color variations, each will be limited to production of 88 pieces (including fountain pens and roller balls).

The Tree of Life in its various forms is recognized in all cultures as a symbol of immortality and eternal life. From ancient Chinese and Egyptian culture to Germanic paganism and Mesoamerica, it has been sought after throughout the ages. And, while depicted in many different contexts, the imagery across all cultures is essentially the same. Not to be confused with the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, the tree of Life is the tree whose fruit gives eternal life to all who might obtain it. In addition to its religious references, it is a reminder of our past (roots - ancestry), present (tree body - knots included) and future (fruit – labor and posterity).

The Assyrian Tree of Life was represented by a series of nodes and criss-crossing lines and was an important religious symbol, attended to by eagle-headed gods and priests, or the king himself. In Chinese mythology, a carving of the Tree of Life depicts a phoenix and a dragon – the dragon representing immortality. There is also a Taoist story of a tree that produces a peach every three thousand years; the person who eats the fruit receives immortality.

In Egyptian mythology, Isis and Osiris are the first couple, said to have emerged from the acacia tree of Saosis, which the Egyptians considered the Tree of Life. The Egyptians Holy Sycamore also stood on the threshold of life and death, connecting the two worlds. In Norse religion, the Tree of Life appears as Yggdrasil, a massive yew or ash surrounded by extensive lore. Other examples include Thor’s Oak and the sacred tree at Uppsala.

The Hebrew Bible reference the Tree of Life in the Book of Genesis, in which the fruit of the tree give Adam and Eve Eternal Life. It is important to distinguish between this, the Tree of Life, which fruit they were allowed to “freely eat” and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, which was forbidden. Once they had partaken of the forbidden fruit, God set angels and a flaming sword “to guard the way of the Tree of Life, lest Adam should stretch forth his hand and partake of the fruit thereof and live forever in his sins”.

The Book of Mormon gives a detailed account of the prophet Lehi’s dream, in which the Tree of Life is a manifestation of God’s love for all mankind. The fruit of the tree represents Immortality and Eternal Life, which Lehi desires for himself and for his family, and the account explains the difficulties and rewards associated in obtaining it. Depictions of world trees are also found in Mesoamerican cultures, including the Maya, Aztec, Izapan, Mixtec, Olmec and others, relating to calendars, seasons and a representation of the Milky Way.

Consistent with previous designs, the Tree of Life Collection is represented in the expertise of Guilloché engraving and the artistic mastery of Hard Enamel. The Collection incorporates four levels of Guilloché and three colors of translucent and opaque hard enamel on each Collection piece.

The entire body of the pen is first cut down to the level of the background, leaving the outlines of the roots, branches, fruit and leaves in high relief. The background and bark patterns are then engraved onto the surface of the body of the pen. The third and fourth stages of engraving apply the smaller fruit and leaf patterns inside the respective areas.

Each David Oscarson Writing Instrument is available as a Fountain Pen in Fine, Medium, or Broad. It is also available as a Rollerball Pen or can be purchased as a convertible set to switch between the two writing modes.

Domestic Shipping

The Pleasure of Writing is happy to offer free domestic standard shipping for orders over $150. Orders below $150 will be charged the carrier rate calculated at the checkout.   Most orders are shipped within 1 business day.  Once your order ships, we will e-mail you a tracking number so you may track it at UPS.com or USPS.com. Please note transit times do not include weekends and holidays and deliveries only occur on business days.

We do offer express shipping.  Please note express orders will be shipped out within 1 business day.  Transit time begins when the order ships and does not include holidays and weekends.  Some products are not able to ship express.

For special shipping or delivery requests please write your request in the comment section or contact us by email or phone.

International Shipping

International shipping is available.  We offer DHL standard shipping options at the carrier's rate calculated at the checkout.  Once your order ships, we will e-mail you a tracking number so you may track it at DHL.com. Please note transit times do not include weekends and holidays and deliveries only occur on business days.

The recipient will be responsible to pay any duties or taxes.  

If you need to update your shipping address please email (info@ThePleasureOfWriting.com) or call us at +1 831-626-8828.  We will do our best to update the shipping address if your order has not shipped.  If your order has already shipped we will not be able to change the shipping address.  If the order is returned to us we can re-ship for an additional shipping charge.

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