Why does the image of the Vytis vary on Lithuanian souvenirs?

Our customers often ask why Lithuania’s national symbol—the Vytis—is depicted differently on souvenirs. Why is the horse shown with its tail lowered on some items and raised on others?

The Lithuanian coat of arms, the Vytis, has accompanied our nation for more than seven centuries. Over this long period, its depiction has changed over time. In different historical eras, the Vytis was shaped by the country’s rulers and later by artists, so the details, proportions, and overall style of the coat of arms naturally changed.

In the souvenirs offered by our company, the Vytis is depicted in various forms, reflecting different periods of Lithuanian statehood and the works of other artists. Alongside the official version of the state coat of arms currently in use, created by Arvydas Každailis, we also frequently use historical depictions of the Vytis created by prominent Lithuanian artists such as Tadas Daugirdas, Antanas Žmuidzinavičius, Juozas Zikaras, Adomas Varnas, and others. The Vytis images created by these artists were widely used in their time and became an important part of our visual history.

Each depiction of the Vytis is neither a mistake nor an inaccuracy, but an authentic historical testimony. When creating souvenirs, we strive not only for aesthetics but also for respect for Lithuanian history and the development of its symbols.

Let us make Lithuania and the history of our national symbol, the Vytis, known to the world by giving meaningful souvenirs that preserve historical memory and hold lasting value.

Artist Tadas Daugirdas           Artist  Antanas Žmuidzinavičius        Artist Juozas Zikaras                   Artist Adomas Galdikas