Pietra dura

Pietra dura (it. " hard stone " ) - " Florentine mosaic ", the art of laying of images and ornaments of tiles made ​​of hard stone types ( agate, chalcedony, jasper, lapis lazuli, and mother of pearl and coral).

Unlike the case of classical mosaic art from colorful cubes or sticks, used the pietra dura method exactly matched fittings that match the larger fragments of the composition. The adhesive used Mastixkitt. Ready to be sanded smooth as glass mosaics. The result is particularly robust, durable decorative surfaces. The flower of pietra dura craft was accounted to the 16th century, especially in Florence. Even in our times, small souvenirs of pietra dura are manufactured in Florence.

In Florence, in via degli Alfani 78 is the Museo delle Pietre Dure dell'Opificio, with a workshop that shows visitors the production of works of art.

The largest collection of pietra dura objects located on the walls of the octagonal Medici Chapel ( Cappella dei Principi ) into the Florentine church of San Lorenzo. The method is, however, not only in Italy but came to India. Even the Taj Mahal was decorated in this way.