Composition Mould
OriginEngland or America
MediumBoxwood
DimensionsCarving: 5 7/8" (L) x 4" (H) x 1/2" (D). Base: 12 1/2" (L) x 5 7/8" (W) x 2" (T).
Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim
Object numberAF-X2023.3494
DescriptionThis is a cartouche of a small acanthus leaf and three bell flower drops. It is carved into the boxwood base. The bell flower drops are separated by straight arrows. The bellflowers have three flowers and three beads at the end of the drops. There is incised pencil design marks for an additional bellflower drop at one end of the carving. It is a typical acanthus leaf form with seven segments of leaves radiating from the stem with a turned tip.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.
