Composition Mould

MediumResin; Pine

DimensionsImpression: 11 3/4" (W) x 9 1/2" (H) x 1/2" (deep at center). Mold: 13 1/8" (L) x 9 3/4" (W). Base: 17 1/2" (L) x 11 1/2" (W) x 3" (T).

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.3483

DescriptionIt is a resin mould that has a large rams' heads urn with festoons and bell flower drops. It is set in a wood block. There is a cap with a daisy finial and a round beaded motif. The base has pointed fluting and a round beaded band. The body of the urn is capped with a twisted rope at top edge. The fluting on its base has 13 across the bottom of the urn with two swags of bell flowers (three blossoms and one ovoid barrel). The fluting at the very bottom edge of the urn has 9 flutes. The ears of the urn are rams' heads with ribbon extensions. Each ram's head has a bell flower festoon extending from the mouth. The swags are gathered in the center with a bow.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.