Dezeen Magazine

Mourning Objects by Anna Schwamborn

Design student Anna Schwamborn has created a range of jewellery made with the hair and cremated ashes of a dead loved one.

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Schwamborn, who has worked for Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood and is studying at Central St Martins in London, uses real human hair and human ashes mixed with black bone china.

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The series comprises a rosary, necklace and a watch chain tear catcher.

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The following text is from Schwamborn:

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Mourning Objects

Wearable body pieces including human material

The collection of objects contains post-mortem memorial pieces which include aspects of a deceased corpse, namely hair and cremated ashes.

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Human remains act as an important medium of remembering a passed away loved one and are some of the longest lasting and most individual natural materials. Above: Mourning Objects, rosary.

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Besides pure hair being used, cremated human ashes are mixed with black bone china, the world´s highest class porcelain. Above: Mourning Objects, necklace.

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The objects are supposed to be worn close to the body of the mourner symbolizing a lasting physical connection between two individuals even after death. Above: Mourning Objects, watch chain tear catcher.

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Furthermore this collection is supposed to remind the wearer on the fragility and appreciation of life and most importantly, acting as a keepsake.

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