Our Artisans

Artisans of Bariki

At House of Bariki, every piece is a quiet conversation between tradition and craft. Our artisans bring centuries-old Parchinkari to life, shaping stone and marble with care and intention. What begins with the finest materials becomes more than furniture, it becomes a story, meant to be lived with and passed on.

The Art of Marble Inlay

This craftsmanship, practised in India, has been passed down through generations since the Mughal era. At House of Bariki, we follow this time-honoured method with deep respect for its legacy.

Choosing the Foundation

The journey begins with selecting the finest marble. Whether white, black, beige, or green, the marble is cut to size, often sourced from the same Makrana quarries that supplied the Taj Mahal.

Sourcing the Stones

Semi-precious stones, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Mother of Pearl, Paua Shell, Jade, Jasper, Coral, Tiger Eye, Cornelian and Turquoise, are carefully chosen from Afghanistan, Bolivia, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Myanmar, DRC, Namibia, South Africa, India, Brazil, Vietnam, Japan and many more. Each stone is selected for its beauty, texture, and how it complements the design.

Shaping the Stones

The semi-precious stones are then sliced and shaped with the precision tweezers and then ground over a disc made of carborundum, shellac, and coarse sand. Each artisan focuses on a specific motif, whether it's a delicate leaf, a graceful petal, or a winding stem, all under the guidance of a master artisan (a.k.a. ustad).

Preparing the Marble

To ensure every stone is placed with precision, the marble is coated with a Ferric Oxide, providing a soft backdrop that makes the carved outlines, drawn on with a scriber, standout.

Carving the Canvas

Using finely tempered chisels, the marble is carved into delicate hollows for exact cavities that will hold the stones. Every cut is made with care, ensuring each piece is set to perfection.

Setting & Polishing

The stones are meticulously set into the marble using a special glue. Once dry, the piece is scrubbed, polished, and given a protective finish that enhances the stone's natural shine.

Our Handpicked Stones: The Soul of Every Creation

At House of Bariki, every stone tells a story. We source natural, semi-precious stones from across the world, like Afghanistan, Bolivia, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Myanmar, DRC, Namibia, South Africa, India, Brazil, Japan, and many more. These semi-precious stones are carefully selected not only for their striking beauty but also for the unique qualities they bring to each piece. Here's a glimpse into the stones that elevate our marble inlay work.