Arthur urn

Plain metal, no pattern, no colour: the Arthur is a brass vase 10.5 inches tall on a 6.5 inch square base, and the only thing to look at is the finish itself. Undecorated urns like this one are the usual choice when a burial is planned, because nothing on the surface has to survive being underground or out of sight.

It holds 200 cubic inches, so it fits an adult up to about 200 lb under the one-cubic-inch-per-pound rule. Brass takes ground burial without the cracking a ceramic urn risks, and it goes into a standard vault as it is. If it is going into a columbarium instead, check the niche depth against the 6.5 inch base.

• Brass body suits burial; goes into a standard vault without a liner
• Base is 6.5 inches square; check niche depth before ordering
• Top opening lifts clear, so a funeral home can transfer for you