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counterchange
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counterchange

heraldry
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Quick Summary

In heraldry, "counterchange" (or "countercolored") describes a specific way a shield's design is arranged. When a shield's field is divided into two colors or metals, and charges (symbols) are placed on it, counterchange means that the colors of the charges are reversed on each side of the division. For example, if a shield is divided vertically with silver on the left and red on the right, and a blue lion is on the silver side, a counterchanged design would have a red lion on the red side. This ensures a contrast between the field and the charge on both sides. This principle helps maintain visibility and distinctiveness in heraldic designs.123

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6 Britannica Sources
  1. heraldry - The nature and origins of heraldic terminology
  2. countercolored
  3. heraldry - Ordinaries
  4. counterchange
  5. heraldry - The field
  6. heraldry

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