Vair: Design with a fess between 4 water-bougets. John de Beauchamp. Odysseus of Ithaca. Quartered arms of

Design with a fess between 4 water-bougets

Design ideas

The heraldic art often involves resolving design challenges while maintaining both aesthetic balance and adherence to tradition. The coat of arms illustrated here draws inspiration from the Dethick-Dethicke family arms of Derbyshire, though it features distinct differences. This design explores the placement of water-bougets, a medieval water vessel, in a 2+2 arrangement, with a fess vair.

One key consideration when arranging charges in heraldry is proportionality. In this case, the fess occupies 1/3 of the coat of arms's width and is positioned 1/3 of the height from the chief, rather than at the exact center, allowing the charges to balance harmoniously. The shape of the shield itself also plays a role: rounded shields can accommodate a 2+2 arrangement more comfortably than shields with a pointed base, which are better suited to 2+1 arrangements, this is de case of Dethick's arms.

Another challenge in heraldic design is asymmetry. To address the natural curves of the shield, the water-bougets may vary slightly in size or placement. This intentional asymmetry can help create a visually appealing composition that respects both tradition and the unique constraints of each design, because, heraldry is not only about rules but also about creativity.

Gules, a fess vair between four water-bougets Or, two in chief and two in base.

Escudo de gules, una faja de veros acompañada de cuatro pares de odres de oro, dos en jefe y dos en punta.

Water-bouget

In German, they are called «Wasserschlauch» in English «water-bougets» or «oges», and in French «bouses» or «chantepleures».

There is no specific heraldic term for them in Castilian. Based on «chantepleures», one could use «cantimploras», which are metallic or at least rigid. On the other hand, «oges» could translate as «odres», as they are typically made of leather as in this case. Additionally, since «water-bouget» are designed as a pair to be carried by a donkey or other animal, I have decided to use «par de odres» to convey the idea of one on each side of the animal.

In English, when there is a single charge, that is, a pair of water vessels, it is written in singular as «water-bouget», as can be seen in [Fox-Davies, A. C.; 1909; figure 551]. [Friar, S.; 1987; page 68] defines «bouget» as «...a stylized representation of a yoke supporting two leather waterbags».

Blazon keywords: Gules, One, Fess, Vair, Between, Four, Water-bouget, Or, Two, In chief and In base.

Style keywords: Ratio, Outlined, Outlined in sable, Illuminated, Semi-circular and Freehand.

Classification: Interpreted, Schema and Coat of arms.

John de Beauchamp

Joan de Beauchamp ~ John de Beauchamp.

Vair.

Escudo de veros.

Interpreted coat of arms, the shape of the shield is triangular and curved plain tinctures metal Argent and color Azure, outlined in sable; and a free hand finishing.

Included in [Vincent, MS; 1285; number 64] also known as [St. George's Roll; 1285; number 64].

Blazon keywords: Without divisions, Vair, Argent and Azure.

Style keywords: Triangular curved, Plain tincture and Outlined in sable.

Classification: Interpreted and Personal.

Bearer: Juan de Beauchamp.