Inlay Work

Agra is most famous for inlay work, drawing inspiration from the Taj Mahal. The craftsmen of Agra carry on the tradition of inlay work, striving to match the perfection of the Taj. The designs are mostly in foliage or floral, intertwined with geometrical patterns. Though real precious stones were used at one point of time, today semi-precious or fine colored stones are used in stone craft work.

A wide selection of items in mosaic marble is available, like artistic jewelry, trinkets, powder boxes, trays, and tableware like plates, bowls, glasses etc. Vrindavan, in Uttar Pradesh produces items in alabaster. These delicate articles are now rare, and are being replaced by soft stone. Inlaying of light metal on dark metal is technically known as damascening. Traditionally it is called 'koftgari'.

In earlier times the technique was used to ornament articles like armours, swords, etc. In this process iron or steel of the required size is heated, and slightly hammered into flat surfaces on which grooves are made. A Lac base is then fixed, on which designs are drawn with a chisel. Minute bits of gold or silver threads are then hammered into them. Finally the piece is heated and rubbed with lime-juice, sand and soap-nut to smoothen the surface. It is rubbed again with black paint to give it a glossy effect. Wide ranges of ornamental objects are produced through this process.

Ivory is used in architectural decoration. The wooden doors of the Bikaner palace are ornamented with ivory work. The doors of the Amber palace in Jaipur, the exquisite work of the Mysore palace doors and the doors of the Golden Temple at Amritsar, are breath- taking examples of this Inlay work. Miniature carving works of idols for worship too are done.

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