pie·tra du·ra | pjɛtrə ˈdu-rə
noun
A mosaic of semi-precious stones set into a floral pattern of black marble or onyx, also known as a hardstone mosaic
Pietra dura is also known as parchin kari in India, is a type of technique used for inlaying highly polished stone to create collages, mosaics or other types of images. These patterns are typically made with semi-precious stones and can be built in floral patterns, most commonly, though, other patterns are also used at times. The patterns are often set in onyx or black marble to offset the color of the semi-precious stones, and the process can also be called hardstone mosaic. The process was first introduced in Europe in 16th Century Rome, and was popular throughout the Renaissance period.
