Pietra Dura or Pietre Dure, also known as Parchin Kari Art is deemed as an adorning art. It is a term used for the inlay method of using fitted or cut highly smoothed colored stones to design images. It was originated in Florence in the 16th century. The art was started by Shah Jahan being its patron and pioneer in the early 17th century. It involves structuring small pieces of semi-precious stones in the form of leaves, flower petals, and fitting them collectively so that they look like one complete flower or animal or any other shape or design the artist intended it to look like.

The European travelers brought Pietra Dura works as presents for Shah Jahan. The Mughal emperor was impressed with the technique and immediately incorporated it in his architectural endeavors. He refined and perfected the technique over several years which came to be referred to as Parchinkari in India. The art became more intricate, symmetrical, and distinct from Pietra Dura. The inlaid stone pieces were made smaller and precious stones were introduced in the masterpieces. One of the biggest masterpieces of this art is TAJ MAHAL.

The method of inlay used currently in Agra has not changed very much from the times of the Mughals, but the patterns have evolved and have become more refined over the centuries. Here is a brief method of the inlay work done at our premises.

Step 1- The first step involves getting a high grade of marble. The marble can be white, black, pink, or green. The marble is then cut according to the size of the article to be made. The marble used at The Handicraft Street is the same type of Makrana marble that was used for the construction of the Taj Mahal.

Step 2- Next in line are the semi-precious stones. The semiprecious stones used in the inlay work were brought from many different places during the time of Shah Jahan. Amber was brought from Myanmar, turquoise from Tibet, jade from Burma, lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, etc. Here is the list of the most common ones that are used in the inlay.

Step 3- The stones are now taken and cut into thin slices. These small fragments are then shaped by using a hand-operated machine called the hone. The hone allows for better control of the artist on the shape of the stone. The artist holds the tiny bit of stone in his left hand and brushes it against the hone to shape it. Each artist is responsible for a different motif. Some are responsible for making leaves, some for flowers, and some for stems.

Step 4- While the stones are being shaped, the marble is smeared with a color which is either powdered ochre or heena. Heena is the traditional paste made of the plant by the same name. It gives a deep orange to rust color after application on hands. This heena is used for decorating the hands of the brides during Indian weddings. It is a symbol of luck, joy, and beauty.

Step 5- The marble is now chiseled to make space for the stones to be set. This way the chiseled spots are easily highlighted against the orange background of the heena making it easier for the artist to work. The chiseling work is done using two chisels, one-pointed and one flat. The tools are made of iron but the tips are made of tempered steel. For tempering the steel a process of heating and reheating the steel to up to 650 degrees celsius is used.

Step 6- Now the stones are ready, the chiseling is done, the only thing left is setting the stones. They are set one piece at a time into the carved out space using a special glue. After the glue dries and the stones set, the finished piece is scrubbed gently with sandpaper to even out any rough edges. The henna is washed off to reveal the dazzling white purity of the stone.

Step 7- After the final polish for a high finish protective shine, a piece of the history is ready.