Creation Coat of arms of Finland

figure 5: grand-ducal coat of arms of finland, tomb of king gustav vasa (uppsala cathedral, sweden)



figure 6: coat of arms of karelia, tomb of king gustav vasa (uppsala cathedral, sweden)

the best-known version of grand-ducal coat of arms found on tomb of gustavus (1523–60) in uppsala cathedral (figure 5). has been suggested either duke john himself, or brother eric xiv, leading design work on heraldic signs on tomb. neither statement can confirmed, known eric xiv showed interest in heraldry. monument commissioned guillaume boyen (willem boy), flemish architect , sculptor had worked in sweden. started on task in antwerp in 1562, completing 10 years later; however, tomb not in place in uppsala until 1580s, , finishing work lasted until 1591. in addition royal arms of sweden , of finland, arms of 11 provinces depicted. finland include north , south finland, tavastia , karelia. work of willem boy of exceptional quality, perhaps explained fact lions dominant feature in heraldry of flanders, , therefore have had great deal of exposure before receiving commission tomb of gustavus i.

the earliest known blazon period states arms of finland represents crowned lion of gold holding sword in right forepaw , trampling both hindpaws on russian sabre (ryssesabel), surrounded 9 silver roses in red field, on shield golden crown red cap. both king gustavus , son, john iii, involved in lengthy wars russia, should come no surprise central element in arms of both grand duchy of finland, , in of coat of arms of finnish province of karelia (figure 6), symbolizes struggle between east , west.

the purpose of 9 roses remains unknown, considered decorative only. have been claimed represent 9 historical provinces of finland, hypothesis has not found support among prominent scholars. number of towns in nominal grand duchy of finland , karelia in 1580 nine, no known historical research provides support link between number of roses , number of towns in finland in 1580.