Carved Marble Wall Panel with Parchin Kari (Semiprecious Stone Inlay) of Botanical Motifs
Date1935-1938
MediumMarble, semiprecious stones
DimensionsOverall: 30 x 21 in. (76.2 x 53.3cm)
ClassificationsStonework
Credit LineCourtesy of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art
Object number41.49x
DescriptionThis inlaid botanical design decorates a dado, or lower wall panel, of the bathroom in the Mughal Gallery. The floral design is formed from multicolored gemstones inlaid into marble using a technique called parchin kari, meaning “inlay” or “driven-in” work.This floral image is thought to be a fantastic version of a bellflower (Campanula) and is formed from jade and carnelian. Like many of the botanical images represented in this corpus, this floral design is based on an existing Mughal design. The precedent for this image is found on the upper cenotaph of the Taj Mahal.
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