Rajasthani Pietra Dura Granite Table Top With Semi-precious Stones Inlay

Parchin Kari became a significant part of Mughal architecture, where it was used to adorn the walls, floors, and monuments of royal buildings. The most iconic example of Pietra Dura in India is the Taj Mahal, where semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli, jade, crystal, turquoise, amethyst, and agate were inlaid into white marble to create breathtaking floral and geometric patterns. The technique was used not only for decoration but also to convey symbolic meanings, with different flowers and colors representing various aspects of Islamic and Mughal culture.

The artisans who practiced this craft in India were known as Parchin-kars’,
Over the centuries, the craft of Parchin Kari was passed down through generations, and it continues to be practiced in regions like Agra and Jaipur, where skilled artisans create everything from table tops to decorative panels, using traditional techniques. These contemporary works often reflect the same meticulous attention to detail and artistry as the original Mughal pieces.

This exquisite Pietra Dura black granite table top is a stunning example of intricate craftsmanship and artistic design. The surface, made from polished black granite, serves as a striking backdrop for the detailed inlays of various semi-precious stones.

Delicately hand-cut and placed, the inlays depict an array of vibrant flowers, birds, butterflies, and fruits, creating a rich and colorful tableau. The flowers bloom in shades of ruby, emerald, and sapphire, their petals and leaves intricately shaped to reflect the natural beauty of the stones. Birds, captured mid-flight, are rendered in brilliant hues of turquoise, lapis lazuli, and onyx, their feathers meticulously detailed to add depth and realism. Butterflies, with wings of malachite and amethyst, seem to flutter across the surface, adding a sense of movement and life to the piece.

The fruits, depicted in warm tones of carnelian and amber, are scattered among the flowers and birds, adding a touch of abundance and luxury. Each element is precisely inlaid, creating a seamless and captivating design that draws the eye and invites closer inspection.

This table top is not only a functional piece of furniture but also a work of art, ideal for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and the beauty of nature captured in stone. It would make a remarkable centerpiece in any home, whether as a coffee table, dining table, or decorative display. The combination of rich black granite with the vibrant colors of the semi-precious stones makes this piece both elegant and timeless.