Inlays Today

Some artisans still use the technique used on the Taj Mahal, although it is not common. The creators of the Taj Mahal dug out a 55mm groove by hand with a tool resembling a pencil, but obviously sturdier. The coated the marble in a red wash to better show the outline of their work. Then they dug out the desired shape and size, and shaped the stones for the inlay to match exactly. The stones were secured in place with an egg, yogurt and marble shavings concoction. Because of this concoction they cannot be removed without breaking the inlaid stones.