Composition Mould

MediumCementitious material

DimensionsRosette impression: outer edge is 3 1/8" (diameter). Bud: overall 1 1/8" (L) x 7/8" (W) at the outer edges of the base x 3/16" (D) and the stem is 3/8" (L) and the bud itself is 13/16" (L). Mold: 5 1/2" (L) x 4 1/2" (W) x 1 3/8" (T).

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.2546

DescriptionIt is a cementitioussmall floral rosette impression. It has what is probably a flower bud abutting the rim of the rosette. The rosette has 8 petals with curled tips separated by darts. There is a center pistil with 8 petal tips and a central bead. There are 32 beads at the ends of the large petals (4 on each petal) surrounded by a smooth rim (5/32" wide). The bud is closed with incised petal segments with a stemmed base. The base has 4 segments with curled tips.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.