Ermine heart trinket box
A trinket box adorned with an ermine design.
The ermine is a symbolic animal in Brittany, France, and is particularly known for its association with the coat of arms of the Dukes of Brittany. It was incorporated into the ducal emblem in the late 14th century, inspired by a fascinating legend.
According to this legend, Anne of Brittany encountered an ermine with its pristine white fur during a hunting expedition. When cornered, the ermine refused to dirty its fur by stepping into mud, instead choosing to face its pursuers head-on. This act of preserving its purity is said to have inspired Anne of Brittany to adopt the motto “Potius mori quam foedari” (“Rather death than defilement”), which later became an emblematic symbol of Brittany.
Materials: Ceramic
Size: 60×55×25mm
Item Weight: 65g
Place of Origin: France
Era: 1839-1903
Condition: Good Condition