RE: The containers in the Pharma section
R. Sale > 19-02-2016, 12:40 AM
Rene,
Let's call it a discussion as it seems there are several potential topics to consider.
Let's call the heraldic patterns in your photo, #1 on top of #2 and #3 on the table. #4 and #5 on top of #6, #7 and #8 on the left and #9 in the lower right. Where is #10? It may be that the designs are not all *basic*, but they are all geometric. Do you see something that is representational?
I have looked through an armorial listing of the cantons and major cities of Switzerland and found nothing even close. I have also tried using blazons in English - probably a poor choice - without any success. The problem is finding access to a relevant reference, should one exist.
If you believe these patterns are all identifiable, then the challenge is to find one match - if anyone is interested. And if someone can put a name to the gold "J" shaped pattern on #3 that might provide an interesting clue.
*
And as to weakening your argument about the presence of lions and eagles and various beasties. Excuse me, but that argument has been demolished. First eliminate all anachronistic examples back to the consolidated VMs parchment dates, anywhere circa 1430 CE. There are lions and eagles in use at this time, but they are far fewer in number compared to the geometric examples.
Now shift again to the latter part of the 13th Century. The vast majority of these early insignia are geometric and not representational of any birds or animals, except a few martlets This is the time of the Fieschi popes whose armorial entitlement comes from an even earlier source.
The VMs is not a heraldic text. It has no requirement to be inclusive of any pattern example. The insignia are chosen at the author's discretion. Using an insignia with a representational charge would seem to be something that would be far more easily recognized for what it is, than the current use of examples of insignia that do not have representational charges has proven to be. The presence of historically significant insignia, tucked into second place in the White Aries optical illusion is already proof that the author is using disguise to mask his intentions. [The purported presence of an eagle and a lion in the VMs plant roots is the province of those who make claim to that discovery.]
The findings of my investigation are that there are nine different patterns from traditional, historical heraldry than have easily matched, corresponding designs on the tubs of VMs Zodiac: paly, bendy sinister, barry, chevronny, semy of roundels, gurges, papelonny, armille, and bendy. Some of these patterns are repeated in the illustrations.
Among them there are half a dozen potential historical identifications, most of which coordinate well with Fieschi history. So it definitely does work in the VMs patterns.
Let's see you put a few points on the board with your pharmacy examples. Let me know if I can help.
Regards,
Richard