What is Inlay Art?

One of the most attractive work of art that comes from marble is“Marble Inlay” work. It is the same work that adorns the Taj Mahal and other Mughal monuments.

It is a closely protected traditional art and only a few expert exponents are available today. The delicate process involves cutting and engraving marble shapes manually. To start with, a predefined pattern e.g., floral design or geometrical design is engraved on the marble slab. Small pieces of marble of different shades are cut delicately to fit in these grooves precisely. These small pieces are then slipped in the grooves. Apart from marble, many other materials can also be used.

History of Inlay Art

Inlay work on delicate precious stone began in the workshops of Florence in Italy around the end of the 16th century. This was known as PIETRA DURA. (Pietra= Stone, Dura= Hard) The Italians had created a classic artistic form and held a monopoly over it. From 1630 onwards pietra dura appeared on moveable, small objects as decorative panels, with bird and flower motifs, suitable for cabinet fronts and table tops. Some of these soon reached the Mughals in the form of presents.

Of all the Mughal Emperors, Shah Jahan was the greatest patron of architecture in India. For him, no amount of money or time was too much to create enduring, everlasting architectural beauty and through it be remembered always. It is in his buildings that one feels most compelled to make the connection between Mughal art and pietra dura. The Taj Mahal, the cenotaphs of the Emperor and his wife, the main floor and the surrounding marble railings bear very close resemblances to the pietra dura form.

Process of Inlay Art

We mostly use two types of bases, White Marble and Black Stone (Kadappa this is Sandstone). We can also use other colored bases such as Green Marble, as per buyerಥquirement. The inlay on White Marble gives a Royal touch whereas Black Stone gives a very attractive look.

Types of bases we used

White Marble (Makrana, Rajasthan India)

Cream Marble (Italy)

Inlay natural stones

A design, be it a floral or geometrical motif is cut out on a brass sheet. This is then placed on marble, drawn and then the marble is carved out. Slices of Colored stones, which have in the meantime been shaped and polished, are then laid into the marble with adhesive.

There are almost 30 types of color stones available. Sometimes a heat treatment is given to particular stone to get a shading effect, e.g. heating Jaisalmer (Yellow) stone to get a red color.

Types of natural stones normally used for inlay :

All of these are natural stones, we do not prefer Synthetic stones, but can be used according to buyerಥquirement.

Polish:

When Inlay work has been completed and it has dried, the surface and edges are polished to give a shiny finish. The polish work is being done by a stone bar so as to give a long lasting shine.

Packing:

After the Table Tops being polished now they are ready for packing. We prepare wooden pallets (Keeping safety in mind). Tabletops are being covered by thermal sheets from all sides including corners also.