Composition Mould

MediumWood; cementitious material; Paint/stain

DimensionsBase: 9 11/16" (L) x 3" (W) x 1 1/2" (T).

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.3323

DescriptionThe impression consists of three swags and drops with three circular beads at the top of the drops. The images are 2 5/8" on center. The top of bead to bottom of drop is 1 3/4" and the depth of the swag at the bottom is 1/2". It appears to be 1/4" deep. On the upper long edge appears to be the Roman numeral "XLIV". On the bottom in the wood is "XLIV" (backwards). Base: 9 11/16" (L) x 3" (W) x 1 1/2" (T). The mould was made by setting a wooden support piece centered in the bottom of a mould. The cementitious matrix was poured on top of the wood and leveled. Then a swag piece was pressed into the wet cement/fine cement. After removing the swag piece, the impression was painted/stained.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.