Brass Dogwood Trivet

One of the the most popular native flowering trees in America is the dogwood. It is also the state tree of Virginia. This piece, designed by the Jefferson Brass Company, is exquisite in its likeness to the actual flower, and is beautifully cast in polished, solid brass. The state of Virginia chose this flower to represent the Commonwealth because of its simplicity, strength, and abundance. This graceful flower is also known for its Christian symbol. The following is the legend of the dogwood tree: It is said at the time of the Crucifixion, the dogwood was comparable in size to the oak tree and other monarchs of the forest. Because of its firmness and strength it was selected as the timber for the Cross, but to be put to such a cruel use greatly distressed the tree. Sensing this, the crucified Jesus, in His gentle pity for the sorrow and suffering of all, said to it: "Because of your sorrow and pity for my sufferings, never again will the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a gibbet. Henceforth it will be slender, bent and twisted, and its blossoms will be in the form of a cross -- two long and two short petals. In the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be nail prints -- brown with rust and stained with red -- and in the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns, and all who see this will remember."

Measures 5.5" in diameter. Weighs .87 lbs.