Composition Mould

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

DimensionsBase = 11 11/16" (L) x 8 5/16" (W) x 13/16" (T). Relief = 8 1/2" (L) x 5 5/8" (W) 3/4" (T) at the center oval. The spines are about 5/16" (T) at the outer edge and the centers of the flutes are 3/16" (T)

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.3163

DescriptionIt is an oval fluted and beaded medallion compo relief affixed to a single base board. There are 16 flutes each with 5 graduated beads (going out from smaller to larger). The flutes have flat spines. The center of the medallion is an oval raised large bead. There are two blue crayon oval line segments across the length of the back side.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.