Agra has been famous for its crafts and skilled craftsman since centuries. Under the patronage of Mughal emperors, these arts and crafts reached its zenith and craftsmen produced a number of masterpieces, the finest example is the Taj Mahal.
Marble inlay work or Pietra Dura is the intricate art of laying precious and semi-precious stones into the marble. The craftsmen still use the tools that are much the same used in the Mughal period to draw various floral or geometrical motifs on the non-porous Makrana Marble. Thus created a wide range of finest inlay work products which includes table tops, vases, jewelry boxes, plates and other decorative and utility items.
The charm of a rich and thick woolen carpet never wears out. As an art carpet weaving was brought to Agra from Persia by the 16th and 17th century Mughal emperors. The carpets made for the courts of the grand Mughals were of extravagant and luxurious beauty. The legacy remains alive even today in form of richly patterned carpets of Agra.
The most ornate and tedious form of Indian Embroidery is the Zardozi workmanship and find mention in all accounts of the Mughal period. Zardozi craftsmen use Gold, Silver or Silk threads to cover the patterns or themes on fabric usually silk or velvet and embellish it with semi-precious stones and beads to create items like purses and wall hangings etc.