Composition Mould
OriginEngland or America
MediumCompo (usually a combination of hide glue, pine rosin, chalk, and linseed oil); Pine; Paper; Ink
DimensionsThe tongues are 9/32" (W) x 3/8" (H). The rows are approximately 5/8" on center and measure 8 3/4" (L) x 3/8" (W) x 5/32" (H). Base: 10 3/8" (L) x 3 3/4" (W) x 7/8" (T).
Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim
Object numberAF-X2023.2719
DescriptionThis is three rows of compo lambs tongue motif. All the rows are the same size. There are 17 tongues in each row. They are applied to a single wooden base that has a paper advertisement on the rear face. The advertisement has the lettering "Mfg. Cos/1827" and decorations in red, black and yellow. It is part of a wood crate label advertisement for the Kendall's Manufacturing Company "Soapine: The Dirt Killer" soap.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.
