The funerabre traditions of Europe had contained and continued the
Memento Mori theme in design and craft. While the Polish tradition of
Funerary portraits died off, the funerary styles of clothing, and
decorum continued its mission.
In the Protestant regions, the
Quakers have developed a particular style of funerary ceramics. Whole
sets were being created to serve at funerary receptions in a manner that
would not disrupt the noble solemnity of the rite-ridden event.
Contemporary
artist, James Turrell, himself a lapsed Quaker had involved himself in a
process of designing a series of ceramic service pieces in the style of
traditional Quaker basalt ware. In line with the community’s
disciplined approach, the pieces are black, with subtle satin sheen.
Sublime decoration is achieved with relief battering and combing. (I definitely will find and attach a photo of his amazing work)
