Composition Mould

MediumCementitious material; Wood

DimensionsImpression: 7 5/8" (H) x 8 5/8" (W) x 3/4" (D) at the central rose. Base: 10 5/8" (L) x 8 3/8" (W) x 1 7/8" (T)

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.2570

DescriptionIt is a cementitious impression of a large woven basket with flowers and berries. At the top of the basket is a central rose blossom in full bloom flanked by descending rose stems of smaller wild rose blossoms that terminate in a leaf spray on each side of the basket. It is a woven basket with a twisted weave at the top edge. The bottom of the basket is a plain arc. There is a wooden board that supports the back of the mould. There is a segment of newsprint attached to the back of the wooden support board. It appears to have been applied with glue to "band-aid" a crack in the wood.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.