A CLOSER LOOK AT THE TAJ MAHAL’S PIETRA DURA ART WORK

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE TAJ MAHAL'S PIETRA DURA ART WORK
Inlaid with lapis lazuli, turquoise and malachite, the Pietra Dura work on the Taj Mahal is a testament to the beauty of this art form as well as its power to evoke emotion. Known locally as "Parchin Kari", many who have come to personally see the Taj Mahal have also come to appreciate the detailed craftsmanship that has been poured into the inlaying of the majestic white marble. People have called the precise work on the marble as nothing short of an artistic phenomenon, knowing that it is able to add depth and richness to the entire monument and that it is able to seamlessly work together with all its architectural features.

It is said that the existence of Parchin Kari indicates the presence of Italian craftsmen in the Mughal court due to its similarity with the Roman pietra dura. Nevertheless, Parchin Kari is still considered very unique and its development in India is considered as a milestone when it comes to art and craftsmanship. The Taj Mahal is considered as a tear drop in time, a structure that embodies the eternal love of Shah Jahan for his queen, Mumtaz Mahal; and those who graced the Taj Mahal through their skill and mastery of art and architecture, were also graced in return by the Taj Mahal as their works of art have stood for hundreds of years, to be displayed for generations to come.

Made with a base of white Makarana Marble, artisans spent countless time mining the materials, securing the precious stones and crafting the finest details of the mosaics. The Mughal emperor employed the best inlay workers, giving them a place where they can live and work in Agra. Master craftsmen supervised all of the workmen, they made sure that the marble were transported carefully and that those who did the inlays received the proper plans and materials intended for calligraphy, floral or geometric designs. By creating precise cavities on the marble with the use of iron chisels, the craftsmen were able to fix carefully cut and polished semi-precious stones. These people were able to create through their skill, creativity and mastery, something which can only be described as an unprecedented achievement of their time.

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