Composition Mould

MediumResin; Wood

DimensionsImpression: 5 3/4" (L) x 3 3/16" (W) x 1/4" (D). Base: 11 1/8" (L) x 6" (W) x 2" (T).

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.2684

DescriptionThis resin mold depicts a partial guilloche of rounded flutes with pointed arrows (and connected circles) between. The mold is set into a solid piece of wood. There are seven cigar-shaped flutes separated by a full circle and bead and two arrows. The flutes are convex in shape to create a concave impression. The flutes are 2 15/16" (L) x 11/32" (W). The berries are 5/32" in diameter. The flutes are spaced 7/8" on center. The resin mold has been broken at about half point showing the carved impression in the base. There is weathering at both ends of the base and adz marks on its rear face.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.