Opulent White Indian Marble
Just in from India— gorgeous hand carved white marble.
Over seven years ago on one of Anuschka’s travels to India, she met skilled artisans in Jaipur who work to create these bowls, sculptures, and plates. Since then, she has continually reordered and worked closely with this dedicated group of artisans, bringing opulent hand carved white Indian marble to Denver.
Stone carving, and more specifically, marble carving, is one of the richest traditions in India. The practice of stone carving dates back to the 7th century. This delicate work is taught and passed down, traditionally, from father to son. This practice still exists today.
More importantly, sculpture and carvings are a major cultural point of reference on the Indian subcontinent. Carved adornments are used on almost every major governmental building, UNESCO site, or building of importance. Many of these traditional Indian carvings and sculptures hold heavy symbolism to the Hindu and Buddhist faiths.
Major temples in India (such as the Kailash Temple, or the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram) and the Taj Mahal are excellent examples of the detailed work of stone and marble carvers.
The process behind each of these pieces begins at the quarry, where stonecutters cut the stone using various machines; before the adaptation of modern machinery, they used a hammer and chisel. From the quarry, the stone is transported to markets where it will be cut and sold to artisans.
For sculptures, like our beautiful Buddhas and Ganesha statues, usually artisans will begin with a clay model. Then the marble is cut into its desired shape, while buffing allows the artisans to get a very basic shape of the statue they are creating. A skilled hand then guides a hammer and chisel to create the minute details. At times, mechanical tools will be used for buffing, and smoothing. Once a statue or carving is finished, the artisan will polish it with wax, and sometimes pigments.
Jaipur State, or historically, The Kingdom of Amber, provided a safe haven to marble carvers in the early 18th century. Jaipur was originally established as a city to promote trade, businesses, and art, yet with the threat of war, many artisans were weary to move to Jaipur. The King at the time, Sawai Jai Singh II, had a vision for a beautiful city, one that would contend for the most beautiful city in all of India. To accomplish this vision, he gave land to artisans so relocating to Jaipur would be easier. This in turn allowed for a tsunami of artisans and skilled stone workers to relocate to Jaipur. Sculptors and stone workers in Jaipur today trace their ancestry to locations all around India.
Each marble piece carried in our store is lovingly crafted and carved by artisans in Jaipur, who have dedicated their lives to learning this ancient practice.
These pieces have an air of versatility, allowing multiple uses from many of the items. A luxurious orchid planter or succulent garden can be created using one of the carved bowls, allowing for a subtle twist. The carved lions could serve as gorgeous bookends or desk ornaments. Each carved bowls could become a catch-all, or simply a decorative piece that brings a little bit of Jaipur, India to your home.