Akbar International is a small family business located in Agra, India, that deals in marble handicrafts created using a unique art form called Parchinkari. Parchinkari is the process of inlaying semi-precious stones into marble.
The company was established by Mr. Salim Uddin in 1979 and happily he is still heading it at the age of 61.
The semi-precious stones used for inlaying are sourced from all over the world, cut in precise patterns and then inlaid by hand into the white (or any other color) marble surface. The patterns are usually floral but pretty much anything can be translated onto the marble - animals, birds, butterflies, abstract design.
Needless to say, it requires immense skill in cutting and shaping these hard stones to make the pattern. Master artists typically have more than a decade of experience and can sketch huge table top designs by hand and have several apprentices. As an example, an apprentice can make a single rose flower containing 15 individual pieces of semi-precious stones with a width of approximately 5cm and a thickness of 2cm each, whereas a master can inlay approx. 32 pieces in a small diameter of 0.25 cm with a thickness of 1mm!
More info: akbarinternational.com
Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, and its scale model (10 inches)
Parchinkari has strong ties to the stonework of Pietra-dura from Italy and originally came to the Indian Mughal court through Italian dignitaries bringing these Pietra-dura pieces to impress the Mughal emperors.
Shah Jahan, the third Mughal emperor, embraced this art and used it in several of his architectural endeavours in Agra and Delhi. The best known example of it is the Taj Mahal (one of the seven wonders of the world) where this inlay work can be specifically seen on the cenotaphs of emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, for whom he ordered the construction of this monument of love.
Shah Jahan, the third Mughal emperor, embraced this art and used it in several of his architectural endeavours in Agra and Delhi. The best known example of it is the Taj Mahal (one of the seven wonders of the world) where this inlay work can be specifically seen on the cenotaphs of emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, for whom he ordered the construction of this monument of love.
Artists chiselling the design on the marble surface
The marble is coloured and the design that is sketched by the master artist is then carved onto it.
Old style chisels are still used to carve the design and hollow out the cavity in which the stones will be set later after shaping.
A hand operated wheel made of carborundum and silica is used to shape the semi-precious stones by slowly chipping away the stone till the desired petal shape is obtained.
the second photo shows a finished rose flower by an apprentice. Even single petal is a separate piece.
The petals are taken individually and then added one by one to the cavity till they all fit inside like a jigsaw puzzle.
Old style chisels are still used to carve the design and hollow out the cavity in which the stones will be set later after shaping.
A hand operated wheel made of carborundum and silica is used to shape the semi-precious stones by slowly chipping away the stone till the desired petal shape is obtained.
the second photo shows a finished rose flower by an apprentice. Even single petal is a separate piece.
The petals are taken individually and then added one by one to the cavity till they all fit inside like a jigsaw puzzle.
Artists setting the carved stones on the surface of the tabletop
After shaping the semi-precious stones, the artists color the marble ochre so that there is a contrast between the marble and the stones which makes the stones easier to see for the artist.
The ochre color is natural and is washed off after the piece is complete. Think of it as contrasting agent so that the semi-precious stones do not get lost on the surface of the white marble while setting.
The ochre color is natural and is washed off after the piece is complete. Think of it as contrasting agent so that the semi-precious stones do not get lost on the surface of the white marble while setting.
Indian ceremonial elephant hand-carved from a solid block of marble
This ceremonial elephant has been hand caved from a block of white marble. It weighs about 2.5 kgs and has 4,655 individual pieces of semi-precious stones inlaid in it.
It is made by a master artist taking approximately 2.5 months to complete. This is a true masterpiece and has various stones inlaid in it such as lapis lazuli, malachite, carnelian, turquoise, mother-of- pearl etc.
If you notice carefully, you will see that each petal is in fact 3 stones inlaid next to each other that fit perfectly. The centre of the flowers on the ears have 8 stones each with alternating red and white stones.
This level of skill is achieved after decades of practice.
It is made by a master artist taking approximately 2.5 months to complete. This is a true masterpiece and has various stones inlaid in it such as lapis lazuli, malachite, carnelian, turquoise, mother-of- pearl etc.
If you notice carefully, you will see that each petal is in fact 3 stones inlaid next to each other that fit perfectly. The centre of the flowers on the ears have 8 stones each with alternating red and white stones.
This level of skill is achieved after decades of practice.
White marble modern bottle vase masterpiece
Modern style vase with approx. 5,167 number of individual stones inlaid. The designs are made by the artists themselves and no two pieces are the same.
While the design here is traditional, the shape of the vase is adapted to the modern home.
While the design here is traditional, the shape of the vase is adapted to the modern home.
Black Belgian marble trinket box inlaid with mother of pearl
Parchinkari artists are experts in custom design and have taken the traditional artform to new heights by introducing modern elements to it. From afar the finished pieces look as if someone has just painted on the marble but as you get closer, you realise that it is actually stones of various colors that have been cut and shaped and fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle.
Black marble 4 seater dining/coffee table with spirograph pattern
Designs can be both traditional and modern such as this black marble table inlaid primarily with mother of pearl and paua shell from New Zealand.
Versatile, paradise wall panel/ coffee table for two
Pieces are not only decorative but also functional. In this case, the tabletop is versatile where it can be hanged as wall art or be used as a tabletop.
Rose flower chess board with lapis lazuli chess centre
Again, the multipurpose use of the inlaid chess board is evident. One can even purchase chess pieces to go with the set. Lapis lazuli inlaid in this piece has been used in art and makeup as far as the Egyptian civilisation where it was ground up in fine powder and used as an eyeshadow or to paint the various figures in the tombs and temples.
Green marble backgammon tabletop with alternating lapis lazuli and carnelian spikes
Backgammon is a very old board game still played widely in the world. This piece can be purchased with a set of inlaid backgammon pieces. The inlaid spikes are easier to make but again since everything is handmade, dimensions have to be kept in mind the whole time to ensure symmetry.
Taj Mahal inlaid in mother of pearl with the garden
The artist can cover the entire surface of the marble item or leave it blank to showcase the marble. In this case, he chose to use half the tabletop. The Taj Mahal here is made of large chunks of mother of pearl while copious amounts of malachite(green) and jasper(brown) are used to make the garden of The Taj which itself is very symmetrical. Symmetry is the heart of the design on most of the pieces as the artists tries to stay true to The Taj Mahal.
Two lovers- Macaws side table
Not only flowers, animals and birds are a big part of the designs too. Although, in the islamic tradition depictions of live creatures is forbidden, yet the new artisans believe that creativity should not be bound. Newer designs therefore feature lifelike exotic birds, butterflies, big cats and other fauna.
Floral edge lapis lazuli snowflake side table
Marble is very versatile and can be cut in almost any shape. This tabletop has a scalloped edge that gives it the look of a snowflake that is covered with blue flowers.
Fruit-bowl
Fruit-bowls are the centrepieces of most kitchen islands. This particular piece has 1,824 number of semi-precious stones. It is durable and will last for as long as it is taken care of properly. That is the reason that these handicrafts are called heirloom pieces as they can be passed on from generation to generation.
Modern Vase
Marble is translucent by nature and therefore allows light to diffuse through it giving a soft, warm glow. So, when a light source is put underneath a tabletop, behind a wall panel or inside a flower vase, they give a sensual glow.
Candle Votive
Marble is a metamorphic rock and therefore, has a tolerance for high temperatures. That is why it can be used as candle holders, trivets , charger plates and coasters without any damage.
Serving trays can be traditionally floral or modern
Since semi-precious stones are inlaid in the marble, they become a part of it. These beautiful trays can be used to serve cookies and other dry snacks. As the tray empties, the pattern is revealed to the delight of the viewers.
Small soap dish with hand carved filigree work and red coral inlay
Marble's strength allows it be be carved into delicate filigree work as well.
This soap dish has handcrafted filigree work to allow the soap water to escape. Form follows function.
This soap dish has handcrafted filigree work to allow the soap water to escape. Form follows function.
Multicolor coaster set masterpiece
The price of a piece of marble handicrafts depends not only on the size and quality of the marble used but also on the number of stones and the intricacy of the work. So items such as this coaster set, while small in size, can cost hundreds of dollars to make. The level of detail in such pieces is breathtaking with each central part of the flower containing 4 individual pieces of stone.
This coaster set, especially, is a masterpiece with 10,486 pieces of semi-precious stones inlaid in a small diameter of 4 inches.
This coaster set, especially, is a masterpiece with 10,486 pieces of semi-precious stones inlaid in a small diameter of 4 inches.
Modern designs for the modern home
The new frontier being explored now is modern geometric designs in monochrome or simple two color combinations to give a more chic and updated look.
Modern overlay photo frame for a minimalist look
Inlay is one part of the story in Parchinkari. The art has evolved over the years and newer techniques are now being used to make products that suit the modern palate. E.g. This photo frame has not been inlaid but rather the semi-precious stones are stuck on top of the marble completely covering it and making it ready for a minimalist home.
Several indigenous artforms of the world are in danger of being wiped out as artists dwindle and the newer generation refuses to carry on the torch. Parchinkari is one of them.
Akbar International been educating tourists visiting Agra about this niche art form for 40 years now. We have 2 retail showrooms with 3 floors each where international tourists are catered to. We utilize the services of several highly skilled artists whose several generations have kept this art from alive for more than 300 years and have made it more intricate as time passed along.
This art is indigenous to Agra and cannot be found elsewhere in the world. We hope that you like our work and support our artists in the endeavour of keeping this art alive for the next 300 years.
Akbar International been educating tourists visiting Agra about this niche art form for 40 years now. We have 2 retail showrooms with 3 floors each where international tourists are catered to. We utilize the services of several highly skilled artists whose several generations have kept this art from alive for more than 300 years and have made it more intricate as time passed along.
This art is indigenous to Agra and cannot be found elsewhere in the world. We hope that you like our work and support our artists in the endeavour of keeping this art alive for the next 300 years.