A technique of inlaying semi-precious stones in marble is known as Pietra Dura, or we can say that it is the art of carving the stone. It is one of the most challenging skills created by the Florentines at the end of the 16th century. It originated in Italy and was later moved to Russia, Europe, Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan.
Pietra Dura was also well known as Parchin Kari in Mughal India. This artwork is regarded as one of the most important and alluring aspects of Mughal art. Such artwork involves expertly cutting, fitting, and polished semi-precious stones like agate, jasper, lapislazuli, and jade.
The primary purpose of pietra dura artwork is to create decorative stone objects by encrusting stones on abraded marble plates. This technique is valued for its capacity to blend expensive materials creatively.
The Taj Mahal is the most prominent example of the Pietra Dura in India, credited to the Mughals.
History of Pietra Dura in India
This technique was created during the era of Medici, born on March 25, 1541, and died on October 19, 1587, in Poggio a Caiano. The proponent of this art in Florence is Francis of Medici. He assembled the top stone marquetry artisans for his workshop, drawing on their expertise to create the tools and methods that gave this Pietra duma artwork momentum.
The nobility demanded better social class separation, which was made possible by using precious stones. This method was primarily used in the Taj Mahal in the seventeenth century, constructed by a workforce of almost 20,000 people. A significant number of pietra dura constructions were made during this time, and as these were essentially long-lasting works, we may still locate them in museums today.
Because everything in pietra dura art required physical labour, it fell apart in the nineteenth century. Even though machines dominated that era, no one had yet been able to build one that could produce delicate artwork as well as people had.
Process of Pietra Dura Art Form
The key terms used in creating artwork with pietra dura in India are listed below.
- A pattern will be made, designed, and traced in the first step.
- This art is generally made on white, black, or green marble. Choosing a suitable stone always depends on its availability.
- The selected colored stones are cut into different shapes per the prescribed designs. To maintain the smoothness of stones, iron wires are used.
- Before being adhered to the marble, the colored stones are polished.
- Stones are heated to provide a specific shaded colour effect.
- The surfaces & edges are polished & shined with a stone bar after the inlay work is finished and has dried to ensure that the sheen will stay for decades.
Places Where You Can Find Pietra Dura Artwork
The Pietra dura pieces in the museum are large and very beautiful compared to the private homes and small areas. In museums, you can find them most frequently and quickly. However, these kinds of works of art may also be found in residences where people enjoy admiring such stunning masterpieces.
Vienna is the place in the world where you can find the most extensive collection of pietra dura artworks at "Wiener Hofburg". Sixty-seven paintings, cabinets, and sumptuous tables are made from this artwork. Various museums contain different kinds of pieces made using the pietra dura technique.
Pietra Dura in India
This technique spread from Florence in the 16th century and eventually reached the Indian subcontinent. This was the time of the Mughal Empire in India when art and architecture were at their peak. The Mughals appreciated this newly emerged technique and decided to use this style to make various beautiful structures. The Taj Mahal is one of those examples that beautifully describes Pietra Dura in India.
This art can be found on the Taj Mahal's archways and entrances. High-quality pietra dura reveals the mausoleum's splendour. Different patterns of this art can be found in large quantities.
This art can also be found in the Agra Fort and the Red Fort in Delhi. The pillars and ceilings of Rang Mahal and Khas Mahal in the Red Fort also indicate the broad work of Pietra Dura.
Uses of Pietra Dura
Pietra Dura is an artwork that combines rare and expensive natural stones like agate, amethyst, lapis, jasper, etc. All these stones are polished and cut to fit into patterns that often include depictions of birds, flowers, and landscapes. This technique is often used for different kinds of furniture and smaller decorative objects.
Table Tops
Table tops were among the most valuable pietra dura pieces since they were the most extensive and intricately designed. The table tops were adorned with elaborate fruit and flower patterns carved from the finest stones. Table tops continue to be the most expensive and hard-to-find items in the pietra dura market today as well.
Furniture
The pietra dura was used as an inlay material for large furniture pieces during the Renaissance and beyond. The pattern of utilising the pietra dura decoration was to apply it to the veneer of the furniture.
Jewellery & Caskets
Many European jewellers used this technique to create pietra dura, typically associated with lapidary artisans' work. Through this technique, various caskets and jewellery boxes were made.
Tiles
For interior design schemes, the inlaid ottoman tiles are used, which are made using this technique by using precious stones. Such tiles are perfect for the flooring of significant commercial projects.
Pietra Dura in India - FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Pietra Dura in India.
Q1. Who introduced pietra dura in India?
The Mughals introduced Pietra Dura in India. Later, during the leadership of Jahangir, the Mughal artisans advanced and perfected the skill, which subsequently reached its zenith under Shah Jahan.
Q2. Where was pietra dura used in India?
Taj Mahal is one of India's best examples of this art form. You can find Pietra Dura art form in the archways and entrances of the Taj Mahal. Along with the Taj Mahal, you can see this art form in Agra Fort and Red Fort.
Q3. Is pietra dura used in Red Fort?
Yes, pietra dura is used by Shah Jaha in Red Fort, which is located in Delhi.
Q4. Where was pietra dura first used in India?
Pietra Dura in India was first used in the Taj Mahal by Shah Jahan.
The Bottom Line
The laborious process of creating Pietra Dura's artwork calls for endurance and patience. Pietra dura's artwork is still designed today, but it mainly takes the form of replicas of past works. Only a small percentage of items can legitimately be categorised as "modern," and even fewer are as technically accomplished as works created by artists throughout the Renaissance and Age of Enlightenment.
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