Composition Mould
OriginEngland or America
MediumWood
DimensionsBase = 17 15/16" (L) x 4 1/2" (W) x 5/8" (T). Relief = The guilloche has raised edges and each single twist creates a circle with a ball in the center of the circle. There are 9 circles that are each 1 1/2" on center. Each circle is 2 1/2" (OD) and 1" (W) with 6/32" edge width. The balls are 7/16" in diameter. The relief is 15 5/8" (L) x 2 1/2" (W) x 3/16" (T) rope and 7/16" (T) ball.
Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim
Object numberAF-X2023.3088
DescriptionThis is a wooden relif guilloche of medium circles (single string/ribbon) with a bead in the center of each circle. It is carved from the board. It is split in its thickness approximately 3" into the length at both ends.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.
