This is an entirely
HANDMADE, wooden shield crest inspired by the Ring Inscription found
on many book jackets of The Lord of the Rings
trilogy.
The entire piece, with its all its detail, was carved by hand, except for the
writing, which was carefully inked. To the right is a detail of the centre eye
with a custom-cut red faux crystal mounted in the pupil.
The
entire shield measures 15" x 11" and was carefully aged and stained
to give the appearance of an antique crest. The several large cracks on the
tops and bottom add to the authentic look of this original piece. The lettering,
invented by J.R.R. Tolkien and called the "tengwar" was carefully
studied then copied from the original "inscription". The transiliteration
of this is: "Ash nazg durbatulūk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatulūk
/ agh burzum-ishi krimpatul." Which, according to Tolkien, means: One Ring
to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the
darkness bind them.