Composition Mould
OriginEngland or America
MediumResin; Wood
DimensionsMold: 13 7/8" (L) x 2" (H) x 1/4" (D). Base: 18" (L) x 4 3/8" (W) x 2 3/16" (T).
Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim
Object numberAF-X2023.3365
DescriptionIt has two lengths: (1) just beads; (2) beads and oval barrels. The resin mold is set into a three-piece base. The image is a reposse image from a metal piece and the outlines of the metal flange are present in the impression. The beads length has 26 beads that are 1/2" on center and 1/2" in diameter. The beads and barrel length has 14 round beads and 28 oval barrels, and the beads are 3/8" in diameter and are 15/16" on center.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.
1790-1800
