Demonstration

Inlay work on marble is also known as “Parchinkari” or “Pietra Dura” in Italian term. This art of inlaying semi-precious stone on marble is famous from Mughal Era. Tajmahal in Agra is one of the most famous example of it. You can see various patterns formed on the walls of Tajmahal. We are very proud that descendant’s family of those workers who built Tajmahal are gifted to us by God and they are producing such a beautiful art for art lovers. There is lot of hard work and love involved in making even a small piece of art. Below is the method by which a simple looking piece of Marble is converted into a beautiful piece of art.

Marble Inlay is a delicate process that involves carefully cutting and engraving marble shapes by hand.

The process of Inlay involves the skill of several specialists for ach time-consuming step. The pre-etching process involves the shaping of the marble, the composition of the individually created design and the coating of the marble with geru, a red mineral colour that allows for the etched lines to stand outin contrast. Inlay work begins with a design that is cut out on a brass sheet, which is then placed on marble and drawn. Next, the marble is carved out, using the most basic of tools – a set of chisels and a set-square. Slices of coloured stones(precious and semi-precious) are then delicately laid into the marble with adhesive. Before laying in the stone the etched is filled with cement, the marble is lightly heated and the stoneis set.

The semi-precious stones, including malachite, cornelian, jasper, pearl, coral and others, are ground and shaped on a hand-operated emery wheel to form the delicate elements ofthe pattern. Once the Inlay work is completed and has dried, it is time for the surface and edges to be polished and shined. The more skilled the artisan, the more precise and detailed the ornaments he creates.