A recurring image in medieval marginalia is flowing vines and flowers. Occasionally one will see various animals painted in the foliage, and birds were very often used. The client of this scabbard requested that I use that as the inspiration for the decoration seen here.
The tip was left bare without a metal chape (which is more common in medieval artwork than many modern enthusiasts often realize), but the brass belt fittings come from Tod Cutler. The core is made of poplar, covered in linen and leather.
Historical Handcrafts 