Arts & Sciences

Silver Hammer Scroll for Thaddeus Ellenbrock

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Silver Hammer Scroll for Sir Thaddeus Ellenbrock

Text, Calligraphy and Illumination by Mistress Rahil al-Sirhaan.

 

Photo courtesy of Mistress Rahil

Photo courtesy of Mistress Rahil

Logan, Shah, and Ylva, Khanum,

Protectors of the Heartland

From forked rivers in the East

To the West’s burning sand,

Have listened well with Falcon’s ear

And seen with Falcon’s eye

The works and skills of an artist

And bid Thaddeus Ellenbock draw nigh.

On battlefield his armor shines,

This valiant lion-heart,

But while encamped on water’s edge

Warrior turns carpentry to art.

For as the Falcon soars above

The plains of green and gold,

Sharp eye settles on a pavilion,

Wondrous to behold.

There are tapestries and lanterns,

And carpets woven fine,

Silver dishes topped with delicacies,

And ewers filled with wine.

But richer than these elegant wares,

Hidden beneath tent’s shade

Are the finely crafted furnishings

That this artisan has made.

Upon tables, benches, chests and saddles

The Falcon eye does fall

And so into Calon Majesties’ Court

Skilled craftsmen do They call.

All those who bear the markings

Of Silver Hammer shining bright

Shall now be joined by Thaddeus Ellenbock,

The noted carpenter knight.

Silver Hammer Scroll for Viga-Valr viligísl, known as Vels

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Silver Hammer Scroll for THL Viga-Valr viligísl, known as Vels

Text by Mistress Bridget Edan, Lady Izza bint Zaqara, THL Marcella the Unknown, Master Eadweard Boisewright, Lady Mor Hoistlair and Master Gottfried Von Koln. Calligraphy and Illumination by HL Lavilla Senestor

 

Vels Silver Hammer

Silver Hammer Scroll for THL Viga-Valr viligísl, known as Vels

 

Long have We looked out upon Our populace and have seen the deeds of Our artisans and craftsmen but one stands out among others. He is a wanderer of five Kingdoms but stands and defends the Heartland as his home. We have seen the pearl of Atlantia’s eye, manic alchemist extraordinaire, worker of entropy, leader of warriors, ginger haired wonder, and We find these prognostications to be irrefutably true; however this wordfame does not end here.

This gentle’s prodigious skills and scholarly pursuits have wrought items of such magnificent beauty that all are in awe. Careful cuts and polishing so that all could see their visage, intricate inlay and flowers of wood bring delight to the populace. To grant this man a wood shop would nary be a fitting honor.

Let all bear witness that We grant unto Viga-Valr viligísl all appropriate badges and privileges as we welcome him into the Order of the Silver Hammer.

To continue his pursuits, We grant leave to Our forests to harvest the optimum branches free of bore worms for chairs and benches, Our mines to seek out the minerals to create dyes and pigments of color, Our streams to collect sands for glass to create enameling and one chicken to do with as he sees fit.

Done by our hand, the seventeenth day of September, in the year 51 of Our Society sitting in Our Barony of Coeur d’Ennui.

 

(Logan)                                                 (Ylva)

Basileus                                               Basilissa

Queen’s Prize Tournament Court summary, Saturday, September 17, A.S. 51

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Logan the Bowyer – Leather Mallet
Thaddeus Ellenbock – Silver Hammer
Ogawa Matajirou Ujimori – Leather Mallet
Verena Näherin – Calon Lily
Aesileif Jotunsdottir – Award of Arms
Rowan del Wiche – Golden Calon Swan
Cathus the Curious – Laurel
Viga-Valr viligísl – Silver Hammer
Æsa Jarnauga – Award of Arms
Amalie Helena Hasselbring – Award of Arms
Alyce “Apple” Night – Leather Mallet
Marius Lucian Fidelis – Laurel

Sawbina Fahy won the Queen’s Prize.
Margarette von Rothenburg won a prize from Her Majesty the Queen for her youth entry.
Her Majesty gave honorable mentions to Andromir Vukovic and Anna Plantyn.

A Boon was begged that Honorable Lady Neathery of Safita be elevated to the Order of the Pelican.
The new Kingdom Chronicler will be Countess Conna ingen Ui Chearbhaill.
The new Kingdom List Minister will be Mistress Brialen Ulfsdottir Vikings.
A Boon was begged that Honorable Lady Catrijn vanden Westhende be elevated to the Order of the Laurel.

Scenes from the Life of David, ca 1160-1180. Public Domain in the US

Scenes from the Life of David, ca 1160-1180. Public Domain in the US

Eynon Llangenydd’s Queen’s Prize Pictures Online

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Gleaned from Facebook:

THL Eynon Llangenydd announces:

My pictures of most of the QPT projects and some of the artisans have been uploaded to a Flickr album. I might pare the numbers down a bit and post to a Facebook album later. I didn’t get everyone’s projects and some shots were a bit awkward to avoid disturbing judging

IMG_6191

Presentation scene; detail of a miniature from BL Royal MS 15 E vi, f. 2v. 15th C. Public domain in the US

Presentation scene; detail of a miniature from BL Royal MS 15 E vi, f. 2v. 15th C. Public domain in the US

The Battle of the Bridge — Winner of the Skaldic Challenge at Valor XXXVII

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elaisse-de-garrigues

Lady Elaisse de Garrigues

by Lady Elaisse de Garrigues

War was calling. Our enemies were massing far to the east, so our mighty Konung, Duncan Bruce of Logan, mustered our warriors for the long march to that faraway kingdom. Many battles were fought in the great Pennsic War, but this is the tale of one particular battle—a battle for a bridge.

The army of Artemisia had twice our number, nay, tenfold at least, and the only thing holding them back was the churning water of the rain-swollen river. That endless horde, eager to storm across the bridge and slaughter everything in its path, was a chilling sight, but the Calontiri knew no fear. Logan strode to the bridge and hurled a spear toward those shining Artemisian helms with a bellow of “Odin owns you all!”

With a shield-shattering roar, the Calon host charged onto the bridge. The Artemisians could not withstand the Calontiri onslaught. Slowly at first, then with greater speed, the Artemisians fell back as our warriors fought their way across the bridge.

“Arrow!” someone shouted. First one dark missile, then another, arced through the sky then landed harmlessly on upheld Calontiri shields. Logan laughed. “You’ll need more than pointy sticks to send me to Valhalla!” he roared with a deadly swing of his war hammer.

The Artemisians fell back, and back, until the Calon host had nearly reached the far side of the river. “Arrow!” someone called again. This time the sky darkened and the air hissed with dozens of missiles speeding toward the Calontiri. “Shields!” Logan bellowed. Our warriors hunkered beneath as the deadly rain beat against the wood and iron of the Calon shields. That, my friends, is the moment Artemisia charged.

Taken by surprise, the Calontiri fell, one after another joining their dying comrades in the growing river of Calon blood. The survivors retreated, defeat bitter on their tongues. As brave as our warriors are, they might have slunk home in shame, but Logan stood firm. “By Tyr, we will not be beaten!” he shouted. Drawing courage from their Konung’s strength, the Calon host surged forward once again.

As before, the Artemisians staggered under our swords and we forced our way across the bridge. And as before, a flock of fletched missiles darkened the sky. This time we were ready, though. This time, when the Artemisians charged, our warriors met them with deadly steel. This time, the bridge ran slick with Artemisian blood.

And though many Calon warriors found their way to Valhalla, thanks to Logan’s courage, strength and will, no Artemisian crossed that bridge that day.

Demo Report: Kalmar Industries Company Picnic, Ottawa, KS 8-6-2016

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Sir Cai arranged for his company to allow the SCA to hold a full-on demo at his annual company picnic. Kalmar Industries in Ottawa, KS hosted SCA folk from multiple nearby groups, including the Shire of Carlsby, the Shire of Cum an Iolair, the Shire of Crescent Moon, the Canton of Aston Tor and the Barony of Forgotten Sea. Visitors from distant groups, including the Barony of Vatavia and the Shire of Golden Seas even joined in the fun. This author is certain she has left out some groups, as well. Apologies for that. There were so many people, the demo was certainly the size of a decent event!

Look at all that Meanest Mother Melee fighting!

Look at all that Meanest Mother Melee fighting!

We had enough people for tourney fighting, cut-and-thrust and archery events side-by-side, multiple-fighter melees, several meanest-mother melees and even some old style Holmgang melees. This author heard laughing and great fun coming from the list field throughout the day. Epic deaths were seen. Even Ottawa residents came to the park, set up their lawn chairs and watched the sport throughout the day, enjoying the unusually mild August weather.

Ottawa's newest spectator sport

Ottawa’s newest spectator sport

The SCA personnel put on a fine showing of our best artisanry, too. We fully encircled the list fields with pavilions full of our best displays, from scribal arts through a fully functional forge thanks to Baron Lothar! Several people combined their talents to show how wool moves from sheep to fully woven fabric, including spindles, a spinning wheel, and two kinds of looms.  Mistress Dorcas provided an entire pavilion of heraldic goodies and information, too.

Amazing fiber arts demo - sheep to shawl!

Amazing fiber arts demo – sheep to shawl!

An all-day chainmail demo by HL Thomas the Black, armoring, sewing, displays of the Baronial coronets, finished garb hanging in the pavilions, and lots of people willing to talk about the SCA and our period of history provided a well-rounded, educational opportunity for the Kalmar employees, their families and others who visited. Many friends and family members of the SCA folks came by to see us, too!

H.L. Thomas the Black and his chain mail demo

H.L. Thomas the Black and his chain mail demo

Sir Cai graciously printed outstanding informational brochures and amazing laminated SCA bookmarks for us to give to visitors during our recruitment efforts. These proved very popular with the younger set, who also enjoyed the hands-on nature of most of the demo items. Being able to touch real, hand-woven fabric, chainmail, armored fighters and heraldic banners caused more than one young mouth to gape in amazement as they saw storybooks come alive before their eyes. Lady Maegwynn provided heraldic announcements before the fighting, including explanations of the SCA – who we are, what we do, and why the visitors should come around and check out the demos.

Baron Lothar explaining how he is forging his Holder Down Thing

Baron Lothar explaining how he is forging his Holder Down Thing

As a reward for our demo, the Kalmar folks provided the SCA demo-ers with a luscious BBQ lunch of pork, turkey, beef and all the sides. Bounce-houses and a bounce-obstacle course for the kids were available, although us adults were sadly not allowed. We debated the wisdom of obtaining ones rated for grownups for the next Tor Party at Lilies.

It was a beautiful day of temperate weather, gentle breezes, great fun fighting and some of the best fun many of us had in a long time. We wish the rest of you had been able to join us! Enjoy the photos – I’ve linked them to my Flickr page, because I took so many. These are just a few teasers.

Link to Photos:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/7579381@N02/albums/72157672317838635

In joyous fealty to the Crown and People of Calontir, I remain your loyal servant and Scribe-

Takashoka Spaekona Aidan Cocrinn, OL

From Her Royal Majesty Ylva, Patroness of the Arts

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Another great opportunity at Pennsic! This one is for the A&S War Point, and has been offered to Calontir by TRMs Ealdormere, Nigel and Adrielle. The entrant would need to be “unwreathed” (not a Laurel), and other information is below. Please contact ME ASAP if you are interested. We want to let Them know by Friday at noon.

“Basics of the A&S War Point

When – Thursday of War Week, in the Great Hall. 9-3pm

Entrants are encouraged to arrive around 8-ish to set up- each entrant will pick a number out of a hat, which will correspond to a table space. (Approximately 3-4 feet). Artisans are encouraged to stand by their displays to interact with visitors but it is not mandatory.

Judging is by “populace choice”- any person with an A&S award given to them from a Crown (AoA, GoA, and Peerage levels) will receive 3 pony beads to vote with. Judging takes place from 9-3. From 3-4pm the votes are tallyed, and results are announced at 4.

Documentation is not required, but, because at least some of the voters are laurels, it is probably wise to provide it. The works of a specific artisan are judged as a body of work- so you could bring one mas terpiece, or several smaller pieces. Last years winners spanned the gamut- we had one single, extraordinary piece as the top winner on one side, and multiple part bodies of work win for the other side.

The Great Hall will be overseen by volunteers during the competition- A&S Officers and solicited help from several kingdoms, but there’s always room for more volunteers. 🙂”

We would love to be able to show off one of Our artisans in this way!

Ylva drottning

 

Count and Countess Scroll for Their Excellencies Matsunaga and Elena

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Count and Countess Scroll for Their Excellencies Matsunaga and Elena

Presented by Logan kunung and Ylva drottning at Coronation July 9, AS 51 (2016)

By Aidan Cocrinn, OL  © Holly Cochran July 2016

 

One of the many highlights of Summer Coronation, held July 9, 2016 in the Barony of Coeur d’Ennui, was the investiture of Matsunaga and Elena as Count and Countess. In commemoration of their Reign, both received their County coronets from the hands of their Heirs, Logan and Ylva. In addition, scrolls with the words of the new Crown were presented. Below are the texts of those scrolls, along with photos. Truly, both awards were wonders to behold.

Aidan Cocrinn, OL

Royal Scribe for Matsunaga and Elena, with gratitude and thanks for that great honor

 

Countess Scroll for Her Excellency Elena text was crafted by Mistress Ishmala bint Yuhannah. The scroll itself was created by Baroness Neathery of Safita.

Right trusty and well-beloved we greet you well.  It hath pleased the goodness of Almighty God of his infinite mercy and grace to deliver unto this glorious kingdom this great lady called Elena Moreno del Mar.  By the prowess and might of Matsunaga Kagetora she was made his consort and brought great joy and comfort to all the good and loving subjects of the realm.  This singular rose has mighty thorns and shielded her people on campaign when the winds turned tempest, she gave wise council to all, and kept her head at all times.

It is our great pleasure and inward desire that you continue to give comfort and consolation to our people.  We therefore by this letter advise you that you are made a countess of our realm and are given lands equal to our esteem for you.  We bequeath you the Wardenry of Royal Forests near the Crystal Mines where you may build a home with no less than four chimneys and may hunt and hawk at your pleasure.

We undoubtedly desire that you continue to give laud and praise to all subjects of our heart regardless of rank, and pray for the good health, prosperity, and continual preservation of our realm.

Given under our signet in the Barony of Coeur d’Ennui this 9th day of July, in the 50th year of our Society.

 

Scroll by Baroness Neathery of Safita, text by Mistress Ishmala bint Yuhannah

Scroll by Baroness Neathery of Safita, text by Mistress Ishmala bint Yuhannah


The County scroll for Matsunaga was created by Viscount Master Christopher Reuben Montoya, formerly of Atenvelt, now residing in Grimfells. The text was crafted by Master Andrixos.

Cease Kamikaze

Blow no more, heavenly wind

Upon King, upon Kingdom

Rising Sun has brought storm’s end

In calm, all recall tempest

 

Reclaim lost pillow

Traveler’s cushion far wandered

From home of the dawn

To land entranced by sunsets

Path of pillow was king’s road

 

Brought from the Nippon

To Heartland and to Shogun

Hail, Matsunaga.

Wind-driver and wind-driven

Strong gale blew through Calontir

 

Eight corners he saw

As Falcon soaring above

Lifted by wind’s strength

Soft breeze brought he to the land

Spring’s zephyrs caused winter’s rout

 

He subdued blizzard

And sought stronger storm to test

Led samurai south

To war field well windswept

Foes all dispersed by his gust

 

Gods keep man humble

After victor’s council held

Divine bellows turned

Brought rain like forge’s fire

Fortress strong sacked by wind-flood

 

Among folk he strode

Seeing aid brought to needy

Raising homes sunk low

Sheltering people from fear

Here he did gust as a king

 

Like a willow tree

Falcon tribe withstood the storm

Plans for new fortress

Stories of maelstroms survived

Realm prepared for a new calm

 

O Matsunaga

Storm bringer in war’s fury

For kingship, well worn.

Headband bright like Rising Sun

And high honors earned granted.

 By these words did Duncan Rex and Ylva Regina recognize Matsunaga Kagetori as a Count, and endow him with such rights and obligations accompanying such elevation, including a coronet of gold embattled.  Done on the ninth day of July in the Land of the Ring of Red Boars, in the fifty first year of the Society

Scroll by Viscount Master Christopher Reuben Montoya, words by Master Andrixos Seljukroctonis

Scroll by Viscount Master Christopher Reuben Montoya, words by Master Andrixos Seljukroctonis

From the artist: It is written in the Japanese form of 10 Tankas; A 57577 syllable arrangement. The scroll itself is done with Sumi-e (black ink brush, and the painting depicts Fujin, the Japanese wind god, and Matsunaga fighting while His Excellency is protecting beloved Calontir behind him. The scroll text is in English, scribed in Japanese letter characters.  It is written in the “kanji” form (vertical columns/right to left) over Suminagashi (floating ink or marbled) paper. The Silk horizontal scroll frame is by Blue Heron Arts and mounting was done by the scribe.

 

Next from this author: H.L. Vels created an amazing addition to the Royal Scribe’s office, which was gifted to TRM and the RS Office at Coronation. Read ALL the details and see the amazing close-up photos in the next article.

 

Royal Scribe Box by HL Vels- Front Panel. Just a teaser!

Royal Scribe Box by HL Vels- Front Panel. Just a teaser!

 

CORRECTION: This post has been corrected to reflect Mistress Ishmala bint Yuhannah as the author of the scroll text for Countess Elena. Also, Viscount Master Christopher originally hails from Atenveldt. The author deeply regrets these errors.

 

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Dragon Scale Book

Custom Books for Count Matsunaga and Countess Elena

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Custom Books for Count Matsunaga and Countess Elena

Gifted Upon the Occasion of the Coronation of Their Heirs

Crafted by Lord SeanAngus Macduinnchinn

Article by Aidan Cocrinn OL  mka Holly Cochran © July 2016

 

Summer Coronation 2016, celebrating the crowning of Krununger Logan and Drotting Ylva was held in the Barony of Coeur d’Ennui on July 9. 2016. The event drew a spectacular crowd from across the Kingdom, and even visitors from outside the Falcon Borders.

Before Coronation Court, I had the distinct honor of presenting TRM Matsunaga and Elena with a gift from Their Scribes and Text Writers, hand-made by Lord SeanAngus Macduinnchinn (mka Christopher Brown) from the Barony of V’Tavia. He had driven all Friday evening and Saturday in the pre-dawn hours to deliver these treasures to me before opening Court.

Each preprint scroll included in the books had the name of the text writer, the calligrapher and the illuminator noted on the scroll. The inside covers are pieces of the Royal Pavilion which gave its life at Gulf Wars. His Grace Ostwald provided the fabric to me in secret some months prior to his passing, not knowing the ultimate purpose – only that it was to go for a stepping-down gift for Matsu and Elena.

 

Inside Cover Elena's Book

Inside cover of each book is crafted from a piece of the Royal Pavilion, which gave its life at Gulf Wars, 2016

 

 

Dragon Scale Book

Matsunaga’s “Dragon Scale” style book, unrolled, displaying the preprints of the Reign.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These books, then, contain not only the gifts of the Scribes and the Text Writers, as well as the gifts of the very talented Ld. SeanAngus, but a piece of the very heart of Calontir’s Living room and a memory of Duke Sir Ostwald, as well. We hope Their Excellencies will smile when they glance through the memories of Their Reign.

In Service-

Royal Scribe to Matsunaga and Elena

Aidan Cocrinn, OL

Lord SeanAngus provided the following information regarding the books, his process and the documentation he used to produce them. He also provided the photos included in this article. These are the words of Ld. SeanAngus Macduinnchinn:

HRM Matsunaga received a scroll of pre-printed scrolls, which when unfurled and hung from a dowel, which appears as the scales of an Asian dragon. The name of the scroll format is “Dragon Scale” scroll. This binding is sometimes called xuanfeng zhuang (“fluttering in the wind” or whirlwind binding). While it is not the traditional, single scroll Kakejiku, we see the lineage in its transferal from the Buddhist monks of the mainland to Japan, as was the codex bindings of the teachings of Buddha.

From these roots in China came the transition of the scroll to the codex, the “Dragon scale scroll” as fleeting in history as the cherry blossoms in spring. Few Extant examples exist in China. Examples from the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and sometimes the rare dragon bound book, can be found in the National Palace Museum.

(Ref: “Dragon Scale Binding: The Rebirth of an Ancient Bookbinding Technique” http://paper.udn.com/udnpaper/POH0056/271212/web/)
(Ref: “International Dunhuang Project” http://idp.bl.uk/)

 

Rolled Book

Matsunaga’s Dragon Scale Book – Rolled

 

 

example

Example of Dragon Scale Book – Semi-unfurled

 

HRM Elena received a Coptic binding of single sheets of pre-printed scrolls. This binding is found throughout the Mediterranean area including mainland Spain, largely due to the Arabic influence there from around 700-1500. The Coptic binding is particularly suited to single sheet bindings, having been used in the earliest known “true” codices, for both legal and religious preservation of writing.

cover

Cover of Countess Elena’s Book depicting Her Heraldic Device Elements

 

spine

Spine of Her Excellency’s Book, showing the Coptic style of bookbinding

(Ref: “The Archaeology of Medieval Bookbinding by J.A. Szirmai “)

Each binding contains a piece of the Purple Pavilion destroyed in the 2016 Gulf War storms.

These bindings were produced as a keepsake of Their Reign, and may serve as a reminder of the inspiration each member of the SCA provides to one another.

SeanAngus Macduinnchinn (c) July 2016

 

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