Composition Mould
OriginEngland or America
MediumResin; Wood
DimensionsImpression: 7 3/16" (L) x 1/2" (W) x 3/16" (D). Insert: 8 1/8" (L) x 1" (W) x 3/8" (D). Base: 12 1/2" (L) x 2 7/8" (W) x 1 5/8" (T).
Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim
Object numberAF-X2023.2767
DescriptionIt is a resin mould depicting a length of geometric rectangular lambs tongues. There are 9 complete tongues with a 3/4 width tongue at each end. The lower edges of the tongues are flat with curved corners and the upper edges are horizontally cut. The tongues are 5/8" on center and measure 5/8" (W) x 1/2" (H) x 1/4" (D).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.
