<I>Wire frame, pillow on stand</I>

ca. 1860-1940

In mourning symbolism, symbols of rest and peace were popular and consoling options. The pillow was symbolic of comfort, peace, and rest. Because of its domestic connotations, it was also indicative of family and home. Historically, this frame design was one of the most popular set pieces, and it was considered appropriate for all ages and genders. The most frequently used frame size was 16 x 24 inches. While the form of the pillow was simple, florists could use considerable variation in making it up. Inscriptions were frequently applied to the pillow design, and the pillow was frequently chosen when the sender wanted to have a word or phrase included in their arrangement. “Rest” or “At Rest” were the two most common inscriptions for the pillow. Other options included the name of the deceased, or script to indicate the relation of the deceased to the sender, such as “Father,” “Mother,” “Son,” “Daughter,” “Sister,” “Brother,” “Aunt,” “Uncle,” or “Baby.” One of the most popular inscriptions for the pillow among Christians was “Asleep in Jesus.” It was considered especially sentimental on the frames made for the funerals of young children.