You Can Now Turn a Deceased Lover’s Ashes Into a Dildo

A picture of the dildo which is part of Mark Sturkenboom’s “21 grams.” Yes, that’s a cremation urn.

This isn’t nearly as strange as it sounds: An artist from the Netherlands named Mark Sturkenboom has created a work of art that is meant to help ease the loss of a loved one. Titled “21 Grams,” the immersive piece allows a grieving partner to literally re-live their deceased lover through a variety of sensory experiences … including turning some of his or her ashes into a dildo.

A picture of “21 Grams” from the artist’s website.

Mr. Sturkenboom has designed works that are an interesting fusion between art and design (one of my favorites is this animal wheel that will knit a string out of yarn as your little rodent runs around). The highlight of the piece, a dildo that can contain 21 grams of the deceased’s ashes, is locked away in a white chest with a gold key. There’s a spray bottle that can be filled with the deceased’s favorite cologne or fragrance, and the ability for an iPod to play music. Mr. Sturkenboom describes his project as follows:

“By bringing different nostalgic moments together like the scent of his perfume, ‘their’ music and reviving the moment he gave her her first ring, it opens a window to go back to moments of love and intimacy. She is able to have an intimate night with her sweetheart again. The cabinet functions also as an acoustic amplifier. In the back of the cabinet there is room for an iPhone, the music plays their music through the ‘forget me not’ flowers on the inside of the cabinet.”

What do you think? Is this a unique way to remember a loved one, or downright disturbing?