I recently inherited an unbelievably beautiful table top from my grandparents’ estate. The receipt from 1980 already listed the table as ‘antique’, and that was over 40 years ago. The skill required to create such a piece is not something you typically see today, and so it peaked my interest.
What I discovered is a technique of inlaying semi-precious stones in marble is known as Pietra Dura. You might say it is the art of carving the stone. It is one of the most challenging skills created by the Florentines at the end of the 16th century. It originated in Italy and was later moved to Russia, Europe, Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan.
The history of pietra dura
Pietra Dura was also well known as Parchin Kari in Mughal India. This artwork is regarded as one of the most important and alluring aspects of Mughal art. Such artwork involves expertly cutting, fitting, and polished semi-precious stones like agate, jasper, lapis lazuli, and jade.
The primary purpose of pietra dura artwork is to create decorative stone objects by encrusting stones on abraded marble plates. This technique is valued for its capacity to blend expensive materials creatively.
The Taj Mahal is the most prominent example of the Pietra Dura in India, credited to the Mughals.
This method was primarily used in the Taj Mahal in the seventeenth century, constructed by a workforce of almost 20,000 people. A significant number of pietra dura constructions were made during this time, and as these were essentially long-lasting works, we may still locate them in museums today.
Because everything in pietra dura art required physical labor, it fell apart in the nineteenth century. Even though machines dominated that era, no one had yet been able to build one that could produce delicate artwork as well as people had.
Finding the right partner
Pairing it with this eucalyptus heartwood stump created a truly unique work of art that spans the centuries.
I wanted to give this exquisite table top a new life in our home, so I needed to find just the right base that would be both sturdy, and aethestically pleasing.
Pairing it with this eucalyptus heartwood stump created a truly unique work of art that spans the centuries.
Why Eucalyptus?
The eucalyptus tree is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after materials in the woodworking industry. Eucalyptus wood has a wide range of characteristics that make it incredibly versatile and aesthetically pleasing.
It boasts unique grain patterns, and is a very dense wood. Its natural toughness makes it difficult to work with, but also ensures that the finished product will be solid and long-lasting
Eucalyptus trees were introduced to California in the 1850s for their fast growth and other desirable qualities. However, over time, they have become invasive and have had negative impacts on California’s native ecosystems.
This means that there are many homeowners that will have tree cutters come fell their eucalyptus trees on their property, and then just leave the stumps sitting around, because it’s ‘too difficult’ to turn into firewood, easily.
individual approach to every project
As with every project, the key is to find where form meets function. This means that style and functionality go hand in hand when designing custom pieces.
If you are looking for beautiful and unique pieces for your residence or business, contact us at Di Giorgio Design & Craft. We are ready to help you create your dream space.
