Making cremation and funeral urns
Each urn is carefully thrown on the potter’s wheel. There are never two identical pieces. Each urn is as unique as we are.
When the clay urn is partially dry it is “burnished” (rubbed to a polish) by hand with either a smooth stone or a flexible metal rib. The urn is then fired in the kiln to harden it. A variety of pigments are applied to the urn’s surface then it is dipped in a thick clay slip (liquid clay). As the slip dries the urn crackles. In the final firing the urn is buried in combustible material (wood shavings, leaves, straw) which is ignited. Carbon from the smoke penetrates into the cracks in the slip leaving its’ mark on the surface of the urn.
Post firing, the slip is removed from the piece and the urn is painstakingly cleaned and polished to a beautiful patina.
These quality burial jars are created with care and marked by nature.
The decorative surface of these smoke fired vessels is not glaze. It
is the clay used to make the urn itself that has been shaped, burnished,
fired and polished to achieve this pleasing smoothness
Care of Urns
These burial urns are unglazed since they are intended to contain ashes not water.
Should the polished surface grow dull over time, simply rub it vigorously with a soft cloth. The smoke fired container should not stand in strong sunlight for an extended period of time.
Each ceramic urn can be easily sealed for internment using an epoxy adhesive.
If you have any questions, make an order, or you would like to know more about Fine Urns please contact Louise, phone 902-688-2732 or email order@fineurns.com.
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Cremation and funeral urns of clay, each urn unique to celebrate a unique life.