he kiln really liked the swan for my parents.  Even though it was loaded in the far back, it got plenty hot and plenty of ash melted onto it.  I couldn’t image a better outcome.  It also works just as planned:

For a closer look, you’ll have to weasel an invitation out of me or my parents and ask to use the restroom:)

Can you see the dark green drip of melted ash threading down its neck?