Composition Mould

MediumCompo (usually a combination of hide glue, pine rosin, chalk, and linseed oil); wood

DimensionsMain base = 15 3/16" (L) x 7 5/8" (W) x 3/4" (T). Plywood = 13 9/16" (L) x 6 5/8" (W) x 1/4" (T). Relief (including the ghosting) = 13 1/2" (L) x 5 3/16" (H) x 1/2" (T) at most.

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.3082

DescriptionIt is a compo relief depicting a woven basket with nuts, berries and flowers (grapes, vines, leaves, berries, corn, nut, peach, and various blooms). The basket appears to be a round basket 6 " (in diameter) at the top edge and 4 1/4" (in diameter) at the bottom edge. The height of the basket from rim to base is 2 5/8". The basket motif is horizontal and vertical woven plaits. About 5" of flower and leaf motif has broken off the left side. The compo relief is attached to 3-ply delaminating plywood. It is in very fragile condition.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.