No products in the cart.
Iqbal Ahmed – National Award Winning Marble Inlay Artisan
Iqbal Ahmed is a master marble inlay artisan and a proud National Award winner, celebrated for his exceptional craftsmanship and deep dedication to India’s traditional stone art. With decades of hands-on experience, he meticulously handcrafts each piece using time-honored inlay techniques, transforming natural marble into works of timeless beauty.
His artistry is defined by precision, patience, and an eye for the finest details—qualities that ensure every creation reflects elegance, durability, and heritage. Through his work, Iqbal Ahmed not only creates exquisite décor but also preserves a centuries-old craft, carrying India’s rich artistic legacy into modern homes and spaces.
The photographs documenting Iqbal Ahmed’s journey stand as powerful evidence of his lifelong dedication to marble inlay art. From receiving honors at prestigious platforms to being featured in national newspapers, his work has consistently earned recognition for excellence and authenticity. These moments reflect not just awards, but the respect he has gained within India’s artisan community and beyond.
Equally inspiring are the images of him working closely with fellow craftsmen, personally overseeing intricate designs and finishing touches. This hands-on approach ensures that every creation meets the highest standards of artistry and quality. His legacy lives on through his masterpieces and the skills he continues to nurture, keeping India’s marble inlay tradition alive for future generations.
Choosing the Perfect Marble
The journey of every inlay masterpiece begins with selecting the finest marble. At Imperial Marble Art, we hand-pick premium slabs—whether classic white, rich black, warm beige, or serene green. These marbles are often sourced from renowned Indian quarries, including Makrana, the same land that supplied marble for the Taj Mahal. Each slab is cut, sized, and prepared as the foundation for the story it will soon carry.
Collecting the Stones of the Earth
Semi-precious stones from across the world bring life and color to each design. Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Mother of Pearl, Paua Shell, Jade, Coral, Jasper, Tiger Eye, Carnelian, and Turquoise—each stone is handpicked for its depth, shine, texture, and character. Our artisans select stones from India, Afghanistan, Bolivia, Namibia, Brazil, Myanmar, New Zealand, Chile, and other regions known for their natural beauty. Every stone is chosen to perfectly complement the artwork’s harmony and visual flow.
Shaping Each Stone with Precision
Once selected, the stones are sliced into delicate pieces. Using precision tools, they are ground on a rotating disc made from carborundum, shellac, and coarse sand. Every petal, leaf, vine, and geometric motif is shaped by hand—sometimes taking hours for a single element. Each artisan focuses on one motif at a time, guided by the watchful experience of the master craftsman, the ustad, ensuring perfection in every curve.
Preparing the Marble Canvas
The marble is coated with a thin layer of ferric oxide, giving it a soft surface where patterns can be drawn clearly. Using a hand-held scriber, the artist outlines the design with absolute accuracy. These guidelines help ensure that every stone piece finds its precise place in the marble.
Carving the Marble with Care
After the outlines are drawn, skilled artisans begin carving. Tempered chisels are used to create tiny hollows—exact cavities where each shaped stone will fit. This process requires immense patience and control; even the smallest misalignment can disrupt the entire design. It is here that the marble transforms from a blank canvas to a work ready to receive life.
Setting the Stones & Bringing the Art to Life
Each stone is set into the carved marble using a natural adhesive blend used for centuries. Piece by piece, the design grows—petals bloom, vines flow, patterns unfold. Once fully inlaid, the artwork is scrubbed and polished multiple times. The final finish highlights the marble’s purity and enhances the natural lustre of the stones, creating a timeless piece of art.
