Composition Mould

MediumResin; Pine

DimensionsImpression: 8 3/4" (L) x 6 1/2" (W) at the base x 5/8" (D) at the base and 3/16" (D) at the top (flute tip). Inset: 11" (L) x 8 3/8 " (W) x 3/4" (D). Base: 15 1/8" (L) x 11 5/8" (W) x 2 7/8" (T).

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.2379

DescriptionIt is a resin mould of half of a large, elongated medallion. There are 29 outer flutes with scalloped tips and 23 inner flutes with rounded tips. The center is a raised half oval in the positive. The base board is split down the center of its length and is supported on the rear face by two tongue-and-groove floorboards attached with wire nails.Label TextThis antique composition mould represents a trade that was practiced in Virginia during the Revolutionary period and into the 19th century. It depicts a common design found in upper class homes and public buildings. Composition was a substitute for more laboriously produced ornamental plaster and carved wood and stone.

It is thought that the Adam brothers (Robert Adam 1728-1792) and John Adam (1721-1792)) played a major role in the initial manufacture of composition ornament on a grand scale. The Adam style demanded a large amount of delicate low-relief ornament. These moulds are for the production of such ornament in plaster, or in composition, usually a combination of whiting, glue, rosin and oil. The finished ornament was used on furniture and other objects as well as in the decoration of rooms.