Vair (/ vɛər /; from Latin varius "variegated"), originating as a processed form of squirrel fur, gave its name to a set of different patterns used in heraldry. Heraldic vair represents a kind of fur common in the Middle Ages, made from pieces of the greyish-blue backs of squirrels sewn together with pieces of the animals' white underbellies.

Vair represents the winter coat of the red squirrel, which is blue-grey above and white below. These furs were commonly used to line the cloaks and robes of the nobility. Both ermine and vair give the appearance of being a combination of metal and colour, but in heraldic convention they are considered a separate class of tincture that is ...

Mar 11, 2025 · Watch this incredible video to explore the wonders of wildlife! The second most common fur in heraldry is vair. This distinctive pattern, characterized by alternating bell-shaped figures of blue and white (or sometimes other colors), has …

Feb 4, 2017 · Vair in Bend (or in bend-sinister) is occasionally met with in foreign coats; thus Mignianelli in Italy bears: Vairé d'or et d'azur en bande; while Vairé en barre (that is, in bend-sinister) d'or et de sable is the coat of Pichon of Geneva.

Jun 25, 2024 · In heraldry, the use of furs dates back to the beginning of the art. Initially, there were only two furs used – ermine and vair. Ermine represents the fur of the stoat, a type of weasel, in its white winter coat, when it is called an ermine.

May 17, 2022 · fur term for a heraldic fur ... Vair (fur) (16 C, 40 F) Vair like furs (7 C, 23 F) ~ SVG coat of arms elements - fur (3 C, 5 F) Media in category "Furs in heraldry" The following 17 files are in this category, out of 17 total. Fourrures (Présentation).svg 1,709 × 1,250; 79 KB. Coat of arms of Durazno Department.png 551 × 669; 34 KB.

This bell-shaped pattern represents the fur of an animal like a weasel called a ver or a vair, from the Latin word varus, that had to be imported from Russia and was often used for lining the cloaks of rich nobles.

A charge of either of the constituent tinctures is still not allowed go over or under a vair fur, though. A bar sinister on a coat of arms shows that the bearer is a bastard. This is wrong in at least two ways.

May 17, 2022 · Media in category "Vair (fur)" The following 40 files are in this category, out of 40 total.

Another frequently-encountered fur is named `vair'. Its representation suggests small animal furs which covered the shield from head to end, the shapes of which were bell-like. It symbolizes warrior spirit, strength and military prowess.