Marble Inlay Boxes

The Italian word “Pietra Dura” literally means hard rock or durable stone. This intricate marble inlay artwork first appeared in Rome in the 1500’s but actually reached its full creative sophistication late in the same century in Florence. “Pietra Dura” soon appeared on easily transportable items and consequently the Mughals were introduced to its splendor via gifts and examples that travelled from Europe to the Middle East. In the 17th century, they in turn showered India with their own adaptation of the same beauty in the form of the magnificent marble inlay work adorning the Taj Mahal in Agra.

The effort involved in making just one single flower can often take days of work, depending on the detail. The art continues to flourish in India with most of the artisans being descendants of the Moghul era artisans. The intricate inlay work is done by using Lapiz Lazuli, Onyx, agnate, Jasper, Cornelian, Malachite, Mother of Pearl, Turquoise and many other semi precious stones. The marble used is Makrana which is the top Indian quality.