Composition Mould

MediumBoxwood; Wood

DimensionsCarving: 7 3/4" (L) x 1 3/4" (H) x 1" (D). Base: 12" (L) x 7" (W) x 3" (T).

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.3496

DescriptionIt is two lengths of raking egg and dart carving. The two lengths are carved into two separate pieces of boxwood that are encased by five pieces of outer wood box (consisting of the five pieces). The eggs and darts are slanted at approximately 45 degrees and each consists of two full eggs and two full darts. The eggs are approximately 2" (H) at the center line and 1 3/4" (W) at their bases and 1" (D). The darts are 2 1/4" (L) at the center line and approximately 1" (W) and 1" (D). There are four modern bolts with washers and nuts holding the box together. At one end are 7 slot head screws and the opposite end has 7 slot head screws.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.