St Louis #1 Cemetery
In 2001 my beloved first pet, a cat named Chateau, passed away. I decided I wanted to have Chateau cremated. At that time, pet cremation was relatively new. The pet crematory returned Chateau’s cremains to me in what looked like a “take out” container.
I searched for a vessel for his cremains that did not look like your traditional cremation vessel, and I could find nothing I thought would be appropriate. While walking through my hometown of New Orleans, I passed one of our historic cemeteries and admired the many family tombs located within one of these “Cities of the Dead”
In New Orleans most of our cemeteries contain tombs that are above ground because of its high-water table, wet subtropical climate and influences from many cultures being a port city. Cultures of the French, Spanish and Caribbean heavily influenced the essence of New Orleans’ cemeteries. Families would have an above ground tomb built for the interment of their loved ones. Rows of family tombs would be lined on the city street layout of the cemeteries creating architecturally distinct appearance of New Orleans cemeteries.
Not able to find a vessel, I had the idea to recreate one of the tombs in a size that would be able to contain Chateau. Being an artist, I love to work with my hands so I decided to honor Chateau with a miniature ceramic tomb gilded in sterling silver.
Over the years, friends have asked me to create tombs for their departed loved ones. I decided now was an excellent time to start Hereafter Urns. I have created several styles of tombs gilded in silver, gold or glazed. Now anyone who wants to honor and remember their loved ones can do so in a beautiful, detailed vessel in the likeness of one these historic tombs. These tombs can be used on bookcases, tables and anywhere you would place an artisan piece.
I searched for a vessel for his cremains that did not look like your traditional cremation vessel, and I could find nothing I thought would be appropriate. While walking through my hometown of New Orleans, I passed one of our historic cemeteries and admired the many family tombs located within one of these “Cities of the Dead”
In New Orleans most of our cemeteries contain tombs that are above ground because of its high-water table, wet subtropical climate and influences from many cultures being a port city. Cultures of the French, Spanish and Caribbean heavily influenced the essence of New Orleans’ cemeteries. Families would have an above ground tomb built for the interment of their loved ones. Rows of family tombs would be lined on the city street layout of the cemeteries creating architecturally distinct appearance of New Orleans cemeteries.
Not able to find a vessel, I had the idea to recreate one of the tombs in a size that would be able to contain Chateau. Being an artist, I love to work with my hands so I decided to honor Chateau with a miniature ceramic tomb gilded in sterling silver.
Over the years, friends have asked me to create tombs for their departed loved ones. I decided now was an excellent time to start Hereafter Urns. I have created several styles of tombs gilded in silver, gold or glazed. Now anyone who wants to honor and remember their loved ones can do so in a beautiful, detailed vessel in the likeness of one these historic tombs. These tombs can be used on bookcases, tables and anywhere you would place an artisan piece.
Inspiration for Chateau's Vessel
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Chateau's Vessel
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