Pictish Mugs

“Pictish Beast” by Struthious Bandersnatch is licensed under CC BY-SA 1.0.

The Picts were the original rulers of what is today Scotland, leaving behind only their mysterious symbols and vibrant artwork carved into stone. They first appear in recorded history in Roman times and fiercely defended their lands from Roman occupation. They fought off numerous incursions by the Scots, and resisted Christianization to retain their unique pagan culture. In the ninth century they finally merged with the Scots. But their symbols carved in stone remain, their meaning all but lost to a time long ago, even today these symbols are a mystery.

The Picts were the original rulers of what is today Scotland, leaving behind only their mysterious symbols and vibrant artwork carved into stone. They first appear in recorded history in Roman times and fiercely defended their lands from Roman occupation. They fought off numerous incursions by the Scots, and resisted Christianization to retain their unique pagan culture. In the ninth century they finally merged with the Scots. But their symbols carved in stone remain, their meaning all but lost to a time long ago, even today these symbols are a mystery.

“Pictish Beast” by Struthious Bandersnatch is licensed under CC BY-SA 1.0.

Tribal Stag design inspired by the ancient Pictish symbol-stones of Scotland.

This symbol comes from the Picts, a group of people who inhabited areas of what is now Scotland. They are known for their stone carvings, although the meaning behind most of their symbols has now been lost. This symbol is commonly called the "Pictish beast" and is thought to perhaps represent a variety of animals-- both mythological and real-- and perhaps have been of great importance. I have recreated it here in my own style.

Pictish wolf based on the famous Ardross Wolf Stone, an ancient Pictish stone carving on display at the Inverness Museum.

Horse design inspired by the ancient Pictish symbol-stones of Scotland

“Pictish Beast” by Struthious Bandersnatch is licensed under CC BY-SA 1.0.

A Pictish Seahorse design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland.

A Pictish Seahorse design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland.

Pictish Wolf design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish Wolf design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish Boar design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish Wolf design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish Eagle design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish Eagle design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

The Picts were the original rulers of what is today Scotland, leaving behind only their mysterious symbols and vibrant artwork carved into stone. They first appear in recorded history in Roman times and fiercely defended their lands from Roman occupation. They fought off numerous incursions by the Scots, and resisted Christianization to retain their unique pagan culture. In the ninth century they finally merged with the Scots. But their symbols carved in stone remain, their meaning all but lost to a time long ago, even today these symbols are a mystery.

A Pictish Seahorse design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland.

A Pictish Seahorse design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland.

Pictish Boar design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish Beast design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish Eagle design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish Eagle design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish Wolf design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish Beast design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish Beast design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish Beast design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

A crescent of spirals, taken from an 8th century stone carving on a Pictish standing stone in Scotland, forms the nest of fire for the Rising Phoenix, symbol of rebirth and renewal. Design created by the internationally esteemed tattoo artist Pat Fish.

The Picts were the original rulers of what is today Scotland, leaving behind only their mysterious symbols and vibrant artwork carved into stone. They first appear in recorded history in Roman times and fiercely defended their lands from Roman occupation. They fought off numerous incursions by the Scots, and resisted Christianization to retain their unique pagan culture. In the ninth century they finally merged with the Scots. But their symbols carved in stone remain, their meaning all but lost to a time long ago, even today these symbols are a mystery.

Pictish mirror and comb design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish mirror and comb design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish mirror and comb design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish mirror and comb design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Bull design inspired by the Burghead Symbol Stone in the British Museum.

Pictish mirror and comb design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland