Composition Mould
OriginEngland or America
MediumWood
DimensionsBase = 12 5/8" (L) x 2 7/8" (W) x 3/4" (T). Relief = 7 3/16" (L) x 3/4" (W) x 1/4" (T) at top blossom and 7/16" (L) x 7/32" (W) x 1/16" (T) at bottom blossom.
Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim
Object numberAF-X2023.3178
DescriptionIt is a long, skinny (flowers get smaller as they go down) bell flower drop relief carved out of wood. It was carved out of a piece of wood that was glued to the top surface of a 5-ply piece of plywood base. There is evidence of carving marks in the top face of the plywood. At the small end of the relief is ghosting of the tongue of the drop. It has graduated bell flowers (larger to smaller). Largest is 3/4" (L) and smallest = 7/16" (L). There are 14 blossoms.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.
