North Indian Brick Mold, c. Early 20th Century, Iron-Strapped Mango Wood c. 1910
La Rue Tool & Supply Co
The Piece
A single cavity clay brick mold, hand built from what is likely mango wood and reinforced with forged iron at every stress point.
The rounded end lobes were shaped for the maker's grip, allowing the wet brick to be knocked free after being pressed by hand. The body is built of butt jointed sawn planks held by hand forged iron bands, cut nails and rivets.
Decades in a working brickyard left the iron oxidized to a deep umber and the timber worn to a soft, waxen surface. It reads as sculpture now, though every mark on it was earned through labor.
History & Provenance
Wooden brick molds of this kind were essential tools in pre industrial and traditional South Asian brickmaking. Wet clay was pressed into the cavity, struck level, and turned out to dry in the sun before firing in a clamp or kiln, a process that remained largely unchanged across northern India for generations.
The iron banding was not decorative. It was added to keep the wood from splitting as the mold swelled, dried and absorbed the repeated force of use.
The mold carries no maker's mark. It is unknown artisan production, attributed to northern India, likely the Rajasthan or Uttar Pradesh region, and dated on form, material and construction to circa 1900 to 1940.
As mechanized block production replaced hand molding through the later twentieth century, forms like this were retired from working yards and eventually entered the decorative trade, valued for their geometry, patina and direct connection to material craft.
Product Details
| Object | Single cavity clay brick mold |
| Era | c. 1900 to 1940, early twentieth century |
| Origin | Northern India, likely the Rajasthan or Uttar Pradesh region |
| Style | Rustic, vernacular, primitive industrial |
| Maker | Unknown artisan production |
| Materials | Likely mango wood with forged iron strapping |
| Construction | Butt jointed sawn planks with hand forged iron bands, cut nails and rivets |
| Dimensions | Approximately 13 to 14 in long by 6 in wide by 5 to 6 in high |
| Condition | As found, with heavy oxidation to the iron, surface rust, intact nails and rivets, deep checking, splits, abrasion, splintering, minor surface loss and rust staining to the surrounding grain. Structurally sound and freestanding |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
This is a complete, untouched artifact of a working craft tradition. Its appeal comes from proportion, surface and utility, the iron strapping, the softened wood, the darkened grain and the honest wear.
Style it as a sculptural object on a console, a shelf, a worktable or an entry surface.
It also works as a catchall for keys, matches, incense, small tools, dried botanicals or collected objects.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
