Composition Mould

MediumCementitious material; Wood

DimensionsImpression: 11 1/8" (L) x 7/8" (W) x 1/2" (D) at the flowers. Mold: 12 1/2" (L) x 3 1/2" (W) x 1 1/2" (T).

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.2608

DescriptionThis cementitious mould has two matching lengths of flowers and double ribbons that create a rope motif. Each length has elongated flowers with four petals each and a central bead. The ribbons are wrinkled along their lengths. The ends of the impressions are pointed. The flowers are 1 3/8" (L) x 3/4" (W) and the petals are incised. The central bead is 5/16" (L) x 3/16" (W). The ribbons are 5/8" (W) with approximately three wrinkles per ribbon. There is a wooden board partially covered by the cement that supports the mould.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.