Pietra Dura Panel, depicting Urn with Flowers

Pietra dura is a decorative stone art technique developed by the ancient Romans and revived in Florence in the 16th century. By the early 17th century, examples of these works reached India where it was adapted into a native style and called parchin kari. Precious and semiprecious stones were cut, filed and fitted into precise grooves, creating a colorful images and designs. The most extensive display of parchin kari is found in the stonework of the Taj Mahal.