Marble Inlay Art:

Inlay Art is one of the very unique qualities of craftsmanship done by the artisans on Marble Stone to give a Marble Stone a rich and marvelous look. Inlay Art is one of the most complicated Art which are done on the Marble Stone to give the Marble Stone rich, elegant and impressive look. The Inlays Art is very minute Art so every precaution is taken by artisans to avoid damages to Stone . Inlays Art requires patience , endurance and hard working of artisans to create a good piece of Art . The Inlay Art got birth in Florence in Italy in 16 th century that is why Inlay Art was named on the name of Italy .

The Art of Inlay is brought to India by the Mughals in the 17 th century especially in Agra city. Thus, Inlays Art first introduced in India by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan during his regime which had become very popular in architecture as well as in sculpture at that time. They constructed monuments in white Marble and huge Inlay Art were got done on these monuments. From that time Inlays Art has become a very popular Art in India .

The construction of Taj Mahal by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan on the bank of river Jamuna in the city Agra is one of the great examples for Inlays Art . This great Art of Inlay depicts in exterior and interior part on the monument Taj Mahal constructed by thousands of skilled artisans during the period of Mughal dynasty in 17 th century. From that time it has been a god gift to Agra that till now the Inlay Art artisans earn their livelihood from this wonderful Art . The next generations of many artisans, created wonderful piece of Art ( Taj Mahal ) during Mughal period, are still involved in this Art in the city of Taj , Agra . That is why Agra still holds its name for best Quality Inlays Art products .
These wonderful pieces of Art ( Inlays Art items ) are being brought from these artisans to your door step by “ Taj Emporium” with the help of your support and co-operation extended to us.

In Inlays Art, the Precious and Semi-Precious Gem Stone and other colorful Stone like ( Jade Stone, Onyx Stone , Sea shell Stone, Lapis Stone , Malachite Stone, Mother of pearl Stone , Lazuli Stone , Agnate Stone , Italian Stone and Jasper Stone etc. ) are set in the Marble Stone in such a way that these Stone shine in Marble Stone like gems set in a ring. The Stone used in Inlays Art may be Precious, Semi-Precious Gem Stone and other colored Marble Stone . Inlays Art is also done on other Marble Stone and on wood also. In Hindi language the Inlay Art is known as "Pacchi kari".

How the Inlays Art is done:
The Marble Stone is first traced with the Pattern of brass sheet. The Pattern may be of any shape, Design or size. Different colored Stone, Precious and Semi Precious Stone are cut as per the Design/size of the Pattern . Grooves are created on the Marble Stone base so that the cut Stone are a perfect fit in Marble Stone . Then Inlays item are stuck, dried, polished and finished. The whole Inlay Art is done by skilled artisans in three stages. Inlay Art is a very Precious , minute and time consuming work. One inch square of Inlay Art takes a whole day of the artisans.

The Artisans Inlays Art may be more explained in stages as under:-

•  First of all the planning and programming for Inlay Art is done for Making the process comfortable and easy.

•  Then the designing of Inlay Art is done.

•  Once the designing of Inlay Art is finalized then the brass sheet is cut according to the Pattern/Design finalized.

•  Then the tracing of the Pattern/Design of Inlay Art is done on the Marble Stone .

•  Then the selection of using Variety/Color/Material of Precious and Semi Precious Stone for Inlay Art is done depending upon its Design, Pattern , Material and Color scheme.

•  Then the Precious and Semi Precious Stone are cut and sliced into different Pattern/Design .

•  Then these cut Precious and Semi Precious Stone are shaped by the artisans accordingly by using a tool known as emery wheel.

•  Then by using a tool known as chisel the Pattern / Grooves/Design are make in the Marble Stone where to be Inlays .
•  Then these Precious and Semi Precious Stone /colored Stone is ingredient carefully by the adhesive into the Pattern / Grooves/Design created on Marble Stone .

•  Then the Inlays process needs time to dry the pasting of Stone .

•  After drying the Inlays Marble is grinded and polished by the artisans to give it elegant, shiny and impressive look and prepare it for sale in market.

A large number of artisans are available in Agra who are Making Marble Inlays Art Table top , vases, plates, trinket boxes, lamps, ash tray, coaster, statues, pen card stand, jewellery box, cigar case, napkin holder, candy jars and many such others products with Inlays Art . Now days Inlay Art is also becoming very popular on wooden, black Marble Stone or soap Stone items.

Inlay Art is very popular on small boxes of Marble Stone , Soap Stone , Granite, Sand Stone and on many other Stone . These boxes are used as jewellery box, napkin holder, candy jars or cigar case etc. These boxes are also used for Home Decor purpose in homes as showpiece.