<I>Wire frame, casket cover piece</I>

ca. 1860-1940

The casket cover appeared in many forms, such as a blanket, a pall, a double spray, a scarf, a cross, or a garland. The floral casket cover arrangements were meant to be one of the most impressive designs in the funeral setting. Designs often called for more than one hundred individual flowers; and thus, were expensive. Casket covers made entirely of greenery such as smilax and fern, were less expensive for individuals who still wanted the effect for less money. The wire foundation was shaped to the size and shape of the casket lid and flowers were applied, or florists could use wire mesh or netting for a foundation for the design.