Composition Mould

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

DimensionsBase: 8" (L) x 5" (W) x 11/16"(T). Relief = 1/2" (T) at the top central rams head. The bottom of the urn appears to project about 3/16". Urn = 6 1/4" (L) from top of finial to bottom of foot x 3" (W) rams head to rams head and 2 3/4" (W) at bottom of base (including ghosting).

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.3085

DescriptionThis compo relief depicts an urn with three lambs heads, scarf drops, rosettes and leaves. It is topped with a ball and leaf finial. The base is a triparte design with 2/3 of it missing (but the ghost is visible). It is attached directly to the wood base. The edges of the top face have been shaved so that the composite relief stands out from the front 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.