Tradition Keeps the Flame Alive
The art of inlaying hand cut pieces of mirrors using diamond scalpels into perfect shapes and arranged into frescos on the ceiling and the walls to form geometric mirrored mosaic patterns is known as Thikri or Glass inlay. An old traditional artform from Rajasthan, Thikri can even be seen in many of the state’s landmark palaces and heritage kothi’s, including the famous Amer Fort and Jaipur’s City Palace.
Mr. Rajesh Anant Maheshwari has always had a passion for everything glass and even if he did not possess the generational prowess to become an artisan, seeing his father doing all sorts of work with glass he developed an interest. The Thikri work done in the city palace of Udaipur became a subject of awe to him. Growing up he thought of combining both the technique and his own vision to redefine the craft of Glass Inlay.
People all over India have been practicing the craft, but Mr. Rajesh also made innovations in the technique, the colors, the motifs and its application. These innovations and his constant efforts to combine the heritage of the craft and modern thinking made his craft iconic.
Looking upon the earliest evidences of the craft the design and motifs were mostly restricted to floral and ornamental themes. But with time and according to the demand of the clients Craftsmen have started to take up anything that can be transformed in the form of Glass. Us at Glass Inlay accustomed to the demands of our clients, supply to them the product they desire. Customers have been asking to transform an entire composition into the form of Glass inlay, and of course the craftsmen execute it so well the sketch sometimes the original reference catches up on a complex. We provide you with your own customized version of the art and also, a few themes like peacock ,floral , vegetation, geometrical, animals, deities etc. which are more popular and are often used by craftsmen in their work .
Thikri can be dated back to the rule of the Mughal Emperors and the art as old as it is, does get a few alterations as time goes by but at the very core of the art is still the tradition. The sector doesn’t face any competition from the technological advancements, the craft of Glass inlay is all about the precision and expertise of the craftsmen who pour their heart and soul into the craft creating amazing pieces of art. Its Demand around the globe has been on an upward slope, which has helped the craft create an identity of its own.