The art of engraving copper

Copper was extensively used in India for utensils, jewelery and many other things. But the bowls, jugs, trays, goblets and other items that are on sale in Agra are a class apart.

The copper objects are actually meant for daily use, but what make them markedly different from their counterparts are the engravings done on them. They are then embellished with enamel colours to give added beauty. This is yet again an art that is supposed to have originated in Persia.

If I remember right, there are a few pieces of it collected by my dad.. a miniature set of hookah, jug, matching goblets and tray and also a dancing peacock.

Just check the pictures to see how you like them...

Zardosi embroidery

Another item that especially stands out when one visits Agra is the exquisite Zardosi work on the garments.

They give a real feel of the richness and artistry of the costumes donned in the by-gone eras. Zardosi is said to have originated in Persia and were favoured by the Mughal royalty.These days wedding garments are invariably beautified with Zardosi work.

Of course if you do not feel like wearing such richness, you may buy pieces that may be framed and hung, or there are cushion covers, purses, satin slippers, hand bags and even pieces that are to be used as rugs... though, how one can put them on the floor is beyond me....!

The Zardosi work is done by using specially made gold, silver and other metallic threads. Embellishments are done with metallic wires, semi precious stones like opals, garnets and such and look stunning.

I took a couple of snaps of the work that were framed and displayed.

The art of Marble Inlay - Parchin Kari / Pietra Dura

The inlay work on Taj Mahal

An artist carving on a plate.

A lovely fruit bowl... I loved this one.

Display in a shop window...sadly photography was prohibited inside... it was a treasure trove there....
Inlay work on black kadappa stone.... this is slightly (very slightly) less expensive
A superb dining table that can seat at-least 8 persons.

A coffee table....

As I had mentioned in the earlier post on Taj Mahal, the inlay work found on the Marble of Taj Mahal is called Pietra Dura.

There are many artisans in and around Agra, who practice this art, and there are many shops where you can purchase marble souvenirs decorated in this manner.Show pieces (like miniature Taj Mahals, statues of Gods etc) as well as objects that can serve a practical purpose are available... We bought a picture frame with the inlay work, but I I took snaps of a few of the objects that caught my eye...

I also got to speak to a young artisan, who was working on a plate ... it is a long and tedious process and takes a lot of years to master. I asked them if they were unhappy being put to work at a tender age, and he told that if others (the general public) go to school before they have to earn a livelihood, that is what he and others like him are doing....!!! Only, they know what they will do to earn their livelihood early on and they become specialists in their craft....

And the beauty of their creations are breath-taking... it is very difficult to be content with owning just one piece... atleast, I felt like picking up everything in sight...

You may judge for yourselves...

Visit to Agra - the Taj Mahal

Our first view of Taj Mahal.....

One of the seven wonders of the world, Monument of Love, example of architectural brilliance...

Even taken on a simple camera with no expertise what so ever (by yours truly), it is still an awesome sight....

The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his favourite wife Arjumand Bano, known world-wide as Mumtaz Mahal. She died in 1631 while birthing her 14th child. In 1666, Shah Jahan was also laid to rest beside his beloved queen....

Besides being known as the most expensive monument of love, (it took 17 years for completion - till 1648, and 40 million rupees ), it is also known for the bilateral symmetry and the artistry of the artisans from India, Iran and Central Asia...

Made from Makrana marble of Rajasthan, it has a lot of inlay work done in the Pietra dura style .

The Taj has four minarets which look straight, but are slightly slanted outward so that in the unlikely event of an earthquake or such they do not collapse on the dome.

The main structure with the dome is as tall as it is wide, making it visually pleasing. All four sides of the Taj are identical.

The main entrance where the tombs of both Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are represented. The actual tombs are on a lower level, and restricted to visitors.

Windows frames are carved entirely from the white marble.

The Marble inscribed with the Holy Quran and the lovely art marble inlay work known as 'Parchin Kari' or Pietra dura. The inlay is semi-precious stones like malachite.

....more of Pietra dura ..inlay work with yellow marble, black kadappa etc.
The back view... just as impressive

The makrana marble, despite it's density, has the quality of translucence. When light is shined on it, the marble is lit from within. In moonlight, the Taj and it's surroundings are supposed to look like paradise on earth.

It was a good trip.. more snaps to follow..