Parchin Kari - Agra
The raw material used are marble, which are marked with compass to the required width and length, then they are cut in circular or hexagonal shapes with the help of a saw. Extra parts of the marble are filed to the required shape, then depending on the shape and size of the floral designs, the marble is cut and further drilled to bring out the various contours on the surface. Once the shapes are made the marble slab is then handed over to the next artisan. In the next process the master artisan evenly applies a layer of poster color on the surface of the marble using a cotton. Then the mid-point on the object is located using two diagonal lines, once the center is determined, a Circular shape is drawn using a compass, further the preferred patterns are sketched using a pencil. Then the Master artisan starts engraving these hand drawn designs using small chisels or raffles on the surface of the marble.
The Lapidary Artist then indulges himself in the process where he delicately cuts the Colored stone pieces to the required shapes and sizes depending upon the length and width of shapes like leaf, petals, flowers, stars etc with the help of a specialized tool, these precious stones are carefully handed from one Artisan to the other. Different shades of semi-precious Stones are minutely selected to give the precise gradation and shading of Flowers and Motifs. Initially an Outline of these colored stones are marked on the surface of the marble which are to be engraved, then these shaped Gem stones are arranged in the marble panel at the specific position marked by the master Artisans with the help of carving tool along the pattern. About 2mm cavity is engraved to inlay the colored stones, and at some places wires are also inlayed along the carved cavity. The Marble is then chipped out to set the colored stones firmly on its surface. Subsequently the Gem is glued to the marble using a special mixture called Elalite. The surface is scrubbed with stone and water to remove the colored layer and finally the surface of marble is buffed to obtain a smooth surface. Prior to the delivery the product is carefully examined by the trained eyes and hands of the Ustad (master craftsmen).
