Various Wooden Moulds
Reading Time: 1:50 min
Raised Design Moulds, Positive Moulds
Definition
A relief mould had a raised design carved on its surface. When it was pressed into a soft material, the raised parts pushed into the material and created a recessed or indented impression.
How The Mould Worked
– The mould carried the design in positive form (raised).
– When it was pressed into wax or clay, it produced a negative impression.
– The stamped result appeared sunken into the surface.
Typical Materials Used
– Wax (seals, devotional objects)
– Clay (tiles, pottery decoration)
– Leather (bookbinding, belts)
– Soft plaster or lime mortar
Examples
– Decorative pottery stamps
– Leather bookbinding stamps
– Tile and brick ornament stamps
Negative Moulds
Definition
A recessed mould had the design carved into the wood as a hollow or cavity. Soft material was pressed into the mould, filled the cavity, and formed a raised design when the object was removed.
How The Mould Worked
– The mould contained the design in negative form.
– Clay, wax, or plaster filled the carved recess.
– The finished object showed the design in raised relief.
Typical Materials Used
– Clay (tiles, stove tiles, ceramics)
– Wax (small devotional objects, seals)
– Plaster or gesso ornament
Examples
– Ceramic tile moulds
– Stove tile moulds
– Decorative plaster ornament moulds
Use Across Historical Periods
Reading Time: 1:50 min
Relief Wooden Moulds
Craftsmen used simple geometric stamps on pottery and bricks. They also used them for leather decoration and wax seals.
Recessed Wooden Moulds
Craftsmen used these moulds to form clay ornaments and early architectural tiles. Designs tended to be bold and simple.
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Accordion Content
Relief Mould
The design was raised on the mould, and the impression became sunken.
Recessed Mould
The design was carved into the mould, and the produced object became raised.