Moon Urn - Owl Spirit Animal
Approx 20cm tall
Approx 20cm wide
Approx 3.2 litre capacity
Using the ancient raku style firing, I have used the entire urn to represent the moon and placed the silhouette of an owl as if it is quietly watching from the branches before her pale light.
The owl has long been a symbol of wisdom, guidance, and the unseen. In many cultures, it is regarded as a guardian of the spirit world — a gentle watcher that moves between realms. On a cremation urn, the owl can represent protection, safe passage, and a calm presence through the darkness, offering comfort that the journey is not taken alone.
Western Raku is a very fast process inspired by a traditional Japanese technique. It involves heating the pot very quickly to around 1000 degrees Celsius until it is glowing red, then pulling it from the flames and placing it into a metal vessel (I use a rubbish bin) with shredded paper and sawdust, which then burst into flame. With the new fire fully alight, the lid is placed on. Black smoke is produced which colours the clay, and the oxygen-deprived atmosphere causes the glazes to change, producing unpredictable and sometimes incredibly beautiful results. The whole process is intense, and any urn that survives is something of a miracle considering the stresses applied.
As this is a handcrafted pottery item made from special tough raku clay and fired using the above process, imperfections like dark specks, crackle, or unevenness in the glaze are embraced as part of the uniqueness of each piece. Every raku artwork comes with its own certificate of authenticity.
This piece is suitable as an ash urn and is large enough for most adults or a large pet, or can be displayed as a striking statement piece in the home or office.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at all.