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Marble Dish with Stone Inlay

Marble Dish with Stone Inlay

£21.00 GBP
£21.00 GBP
Sale Sold out
Color: Blue

A dish in Makrana marble, small enough to move room to room, precise enough to stop a conversation. Hand-engraved in Agra with the Parchin Kari inlay technique, the same craft that dressed the Taj Mahal. Semi-precious stones, mother of pearl, coral or malachite, are set into hand-cut channels until the stone becomes pattern and no joint shows.

It began life as a soap dish. It has since found its way onto bedside tables and entryway consoles, holding rings, keys, or a single diya. Treated as an object rather than a vessel, the inlay reads like a small painting.

Product Story

This piece features intricate floral designs created using the ancient technique of stone inlay, or Pietra Dura.

The art of Pietra Dura, known in India as Parchinkari, is a centuries-old craft that reached its pinnacle during the Mughal Empire. Its most famous and breathtaking expression can be seen in the gleaming white marble walls of the Taj Mahal, which bloom with intricate floral patterns, arabesques, and inscriptions.

This remarkable technique involves the painstaking process of hand-cutting and setting semi-precious stones, such as lapis lazuli, malachite, and carnelian, into shallow grooves carved into a marble surface. The artisans, often from families who have preserved this legacy for generations in cities like Agra and Udaipur, shape each stone to perfection. This requires immense precision and skill to ensure a seamless fit, creating a final piece that appears to be "painted" in stone.

To own a piece of Pietra Dura is to safeguard a piece of history. Each item carries the resonance of Mughal grandeur and the devotion of artisans who still create beauty with unmatched patience and passion. This timeless art is increasingly getting endangered, by bringing it home you are contributing to its preservation making you awesome!

Size & Material

Red, Blue, Green: 12 x10 cm
White: 15 x 10 cm
Material: White Marble

Care Instructions

The product can be easily wiped using a wet or damp cloth. Due to the delicate nature of the inlay work, it is advised to handle gently and keep dry. Avoid putting in dishwasher or using hard cleaning agents.

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