Composition Mould

MediumResin; Wood

DimensionsThe impression is 1" (H) x 3/4" (D). Mold: 12 3/8" (L) x 2 3/16" (W). Base: 16 3/16" (L) x 4 5/16" (W) x 2 1/16" (T).

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.3485

DescriptionIt is a resin mould that produces an elongated rope-like image. It is set into a three-layer wooden base made up of nominal 1 x 4 wood trim. There are 17 eggs separated by darts. The eggs are 7/16" (W) at the top and at the bottom edge. The darts are 3/32" (W) between the tops of the eggs. The slant of the egg image is 5/8" from top center to bottom center in width.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.