Blason

A blason is a heraldic achievement, encompassing a coat of arms, crest, and sometimes a motto and supporters. More specifically, the term blason (also spelled blazon) most often refers to the verbal description of a coat of arms, using a specific and standardized vocabulary. This description allows for the visual depiction of the arms by an artist, even if the artist is unfamiliar with the armiger (the person or entity entitled to bear the arms).

The art and science of describing coats of arms is called blazonry. Blazons are written in a specialized jargon derived from Norman French and other sources, often using abbreviations and concise phrasing to fit all the elements of the design within a relatively short description. The key elements described in a blazon include the field (background color or pattern), the charges (symbols placed on the field), the ordinaries (geometric divisions of the shield), and any other significant features or modifications.

A well-written blazon should be unambiguous, allowing different artists to create recognizable versions of the same coat of arms. The interpretation of blazons is governed by a complex set of rules and conventions that have evolved over centuries. It's important to note that a blazon is not a rendering of the arms but rather a textual recipe for creating one.