Culinary mould; Gingerbread Mould; 1870-80 This English culinary mould; made around 1875; has been carved from an unidentified fruit wood. The type of carving is called intaglio. It was a skilled process which called for the design to be carved in reverse. This mould is interesting because the delicate detail on the clothing is countered by the crude carving of the feet and arms. Originally; the maker intended to carve another figure and the rough outline of a man can be seen on the back. Wood used for making moulds needs to have many special qualities. They must be close grained; well seasoned and free from knots. Also they must not warp; split or shrink too much under changing temperatures and wet and dry conditions. They must also be able to cope with rigorous cleaning and scrubbing without splintering. Social history; Wood; Food; Treen