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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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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• Design