Composition Mould

MediumBoxwood; Oak

DimensionsCarving: 13 1/2" (L) x 3" (W) x 1/4" (D) at the center of the bead. Inset: 13 3/4" (L) x 3 3/8" (W) x 1/2" (T). Base: 16 1/4" (L) x 5 3/4" (W) x 1 3/4" (T).

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.2435

DescriptionIt is a carved boxwood guilloche of medium circles with a bead in the center of each circle. There are five complete circles, one half circle, and one-half circle with a bead. The circles are 2" on center and consist of a central bead with two surrounding bands. The beads are 3/4" in diameter and the bands are 3/4" wide with raised 3/16" edges. The base is multi-layered.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.