vairs

Vair is a heraldic fur pattern used in coats of arms, heraldic art, and related decorative works. It refers to a stylized representation of fur texture that appears as a repeating pattern of small, rounded shapes arranged in horizontal rows. In traditional heraldry, vair is commonly shown in two alternating colors, most often blue (azure) and white (argent), to create a distinctive twill-like or scalloped effect. The pattern is one of the classic furs in heraldry, alongside ermine and erminois.

Origin and terminology: The term vair comes from older European heraldic vocabulary. While the exact real-world zoological origin of vair pelts is uncertain, the heraldic pattern is treated as a conventional representation of fur rather than a precise copy of a specific animal hide. The form and naming have been carried through medieval and early modern heraldic texts into modern heraldic practice.

Design and variation: The standard vair consists of alternating light and dark, giving the impression of a dense, textured surface. Blazoning sometimes distinguishes between vair and vairé, the latter indicating a two-tone shading effect within the pattern. Modern renderings of vair may appear in a broader range of color combinations beyond the traditional azure and argent, especially in decorative or fashion contexts.

Usage and symbolism: In heraldry, vair has signified wealth, status, and noble lineage. Today it remains a recognizable historic motif in coats of arms, municipal insignia, and fashion-inspired designs, where it evokes medieval and heraldic associations without implying specific animal pelage.