What is Pietra Dura or Marble Inlay?
Pietra Dura also known as “parchinkari” or marble inlay. This art form involves cutting of semi-precious stones in desired shape and fitted into marble white marble(Makrana) or black marble (italian design).Let’s go in depth to know what is Pietra dura and how it is done?
The art of Pietra dure originated in Renaissance Italy, Specifically in Florence during the 16th century.
This art form quickly became the symbol of luxury and artistic achievements. Opificio delle Pietre Dure, a workshop started in Florence, played a significant role in refining and popularizing this craft.
As this art form became the symbol of luxury, it soon started in India in the 17th century, under the rule of Mughal empire Shah Jahan. The Mughals are known for their fine arts, as we could see that the monuments built by mughal empires are very attractive and eye-catching.
One of the most Iconic monuments is Taj Mahal and it is one of the biggest examples of Pietra Dura. How beautifully the skilled labor had done this art and because of this thousand of tourists came to see the Taj Mahal. We proudly say that we are the 5th generation continuing this art form in India and you can check our work at our website marbleartshandicrafts.com click on the link and check how we are doing this art form giving satisfaction to our customers.
Let’s come to our main topic, as we have discussed what is Pietra Dura ? Now we understand how Pietra Dura work is performed,
How Pietra Dura Work is Performed
Firstly, we take any design which we want and trace it on a tracing paper and when the design is fully ready we move toward the semi-precious stones. Now it is the time to copy the design with the help of carbon paper on semi-precious stone.
After copying the design on semi-precious stones, we cut these stones with the help of a blade fitted into a grinder .you can see below the video how we do this
After cutting off the stone we give shape to it you can see below in the video.
remember all this work is done by a skilled artist. Now after we have given the shape we put that stone on white marble or black marble for the process of marble inlay or Pietra Dura or Inlay in Marble.
How we put it you can see in the image below.
Now again a skilled artist with the help of a machine dug out the marble for that desired shape and fit into the marble with the help of glue or araldite or epoxy.
What type of work is done in Pietra Dura or marble Inlay?
Pietra Dura or marble Inlay involves various types of inlay like Floor Inlay, table top Inlay, marble plate Inlay, marble chess set, marble inlay elephant, marble inlay coasters, etc.
Below we have given some images where you can check what these items look like.
Though, the procedure remains the same for making these articles. All these items under the marble inlay work category. These items can be made in all sizes and shapes with unique and flawless designs.
At last you can visit marbleartshandicrafts.com, we have been doing this work as a legal firm since 1992 and from then we are the manufacturers, wholesalers,retailers,exporters of marble inlay work and also shipping our items worldwide and serving our clients all over the world.