Mirror Inlay

What is Mirror Inlay?

Pietra dura is an Italian phrase for “hard stone” or “semi-precious stone”. It is known as  is parchinkari work in Persian language.It is a term that references the inlay technique of creating inlaid mosaics from coloured hard stones. This is commonly known as Mirror Inlay Work. For example, stones such as quartzes ,chalcedonies, agates, jasper, granite, porphyries and petrified wood are used in crafting the mosaic.The designs include floral motifs, plants, natural settings and geometric shapes.

Available at Delhi:- Rajasthali

UP Crafts Emporim -Gangotri

Dilli Haat 

Shop in Jaipur at:- Rajasthali 

Process of Mirror Inlay

Firstly, the stones are sliced & cut into different shapes and are then painstakingly fitted or glued to the marble  base. They are framed and grooved precisely so that they appear seamlessly snug & on an even surface as the marble base.Intricate mosaics were used primarily for decorative purposes. They were used in buildings on a large scale. Table tops & large plates were also designed with mirror Inlay work

Mirror Inlay @ Taj Mahal

Mirrol Inlay or Mrable inlay work was at its peak during the reign of Mughal emperor Jehangir. This is beautifully showcased in buildings & monuments. It is particularly prominent in Agra in Akbar’s tomb, Salim Chisti’s tomb & the Itamad ud Doulah’s tomb . They all have  beautiful refined marble inlay work in the buildings. Inlay work in the Mandu  palaces in Madhya Pradesh was also well known.

Taj Mahal is the finest example of  magnificent  mirror inlay work. The mausoleum has been constructed in white marble inlaid with semi precious stones. For instance, craftsmen repeat a number of different patterns on the marble. Several colourful stones are inserted in the spaces, cut for this specific purpose.  n other words ,the marble is used as a base to be crafted into beautiful crafts.

This art was at its peak in Florence during the late 16th and 17th centuries. Italian Renaissance was inspired by the Medici family along with other prominent families. In other words, the Medici family were a  prominent banking  \family & political dynasty .