Composition Mould

MediumResin; Wood

DimensionsImpression: 4 3/16" (H) x 4 3/8" (W) x 3/4" (D) at center of urn. Inset: 5 1/2" (H) x 5 1/8"" (W) x 7/8" (T). Base 11" (L) x 6" (W) x 2 3/4" (T).

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.2494

DescriptionIt is a resin impression of a small urn with festoons and bellflower drops from the handles. The top of the urn has 12 flutes/grooves topped with 12 beads and a finial with 7 beads and a large bead at the very top. Double festoons of bellflowers are connected to a circular bracket at the center flute and draped to each side connecting to the bottom of each handle. The bellflowers continue as a drop from each handle with three blossoms each. The bottom of the urn has 7 upturned acanthus leaves sitting on a base with a central dart and scroll on each side. It is set into a multi-part wooden base. It is inserted in the same wooden base as AF-X2023.2495.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.