Composition Mould

MediumWood

DimensionsCarved base = 12 3/8" (L) x 5 1/8" (W) x 1/2" (T) with four wood screws in the corners attaching it to the base board. Base board = 12 7/16" (L) x 5 1/16" (W) x 5/8" (T). Edge piece = 12 3/8" (L) x 15/16" (W) x 1 5/16" (T). The upper face has a glued fabric impression (possibly from a carpet or floor cloth). The eggs = 2 1/2" (H) x 2" (W) x 1 3/16" (D) and are 3" on center. The darts = 2 1/2" (H) x 1" (W) x 1 3/16" (D) and are 2 3/4" on center.

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.3142

DescriptionIt is a large, wooden, hand-carved (out of a single board) positive egg and dart run. It is attached by four screws and two nails to a single base board and supported on one long edge by a two-nailed edge piece that appears to be from a floorboard. In pencil are the letters, "CAM and two additional illegible letters" on the nailed long edge. There are three full eggs and three full darts.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.