Composition Mould

MediumResin; Wood

DimensionsBase: 19" (L) x 4 7/8" (W) x 2" (T).

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.3405

DescriptionIt is a set of two impressions, (A) has four circular flower and rope impressions. The second (B) has two ovoid flower and rope impressions. (A) has 5 petal flowers and the rope are 2" (OD) and 1 1/4" (ID). The circles measure 2" on center and about 1/8" (deep). The total impression is 8" (L) x 2 1/8" (W) x 3/16" (D). (B) has 5 petal flowers and the rope are 2" (OD) and 2 1/4" (L) and 1 3/16" (H) x 1 3/4" (L) and are set at 2 3/8" on center. The two impressions are set into a three-layer wooden base and are separated by a 1/4" wide bar of resin.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.