Blue Heron Tile Wood Urn

Set into the walnut front is a ceramic tile showing a blue heron. The wood is dark and open-grained, the tile is glazed and slightly proud of the surface, and the contrast between the two is what carries the piece. It stands 9.75 inches tall on a base of 7.63 inches square.

Capacity is 220 cubic inches, which by the one-cubic-inch-per-pound rule suits an adult up to about 220 pounds. The base loads from underneath, so the tile face is never disturbed and the panel screws back into place once the ashes are inside. Walnut suits indoor display or a niche; it is not the material to choose for direct burial in soil.

• The tile is glazed ceramic set into the wood, so a knock on the face chips rather than dents it.
• Bottom loading panel, so nothing on the display side has to be opened.
• Keep it out of direct sun and away from radiators, since walnut lightens and dries over time.