Thikri or tikri, meaning shards or pieces in Marwari, is a form of decorative mirror work originating from Rajasthan. It involves cutting pieces of glass and placing them into a prepared surface - usually a wall or a ceiling, to form intricate geometric or floral patterns. It might look similar to contemporary mirror mosaics, but is a lot more complex, with each glass shard cut and placed by hand, making each surface unique.
These are created in a way that they catch and reflect light in different ways. When placed across a surface, especially under low lighting like oil lamps or candles, the glass pieces reflect the light, making it dance across the room, refracted a hundred times over, creating a visual marvel and an immersive environment.
The roots of Thikri art come from the royal courts of Rajasthan, especially Udaipur. The Rajputs, rulers of Mewar, were great patrons of the arts. Under their influence, artisans developed elaborate decorative techniques to adorn the walls of royal palaces, temples and havelis. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Thikri work became a hallmark of Rajasthani royal interiors. This was not only a display of wealth, but also a testament to their knowledge of engineering and aesthetics.
For this mirror inlay work, they made use of the available materials at that time, like lime, glass and natural pigments, to create the illusion of grandeur and expanded space.
Mughal artistic traditions also played a role in shaping Thikri art. Mughal influence is evident in the symmetry, fine floral patterns and Persian motifs that can be seen in Thikri art. The Sheesh Mahals or Halls/Palace of Mirrors in the Amer Fort of Jaipur and the City Palace at Udaipur display these styles, along with stucco and marble inlay.
The process of creating Thikri art is very labour intensive and requires expert skills. The process begins with preparing a base layer of lime plaster, mixed with marble dust to give it strength and smoothness. While the surface is still damp, mirror pieces are pressed into place, following a drawn design.
Thikri Art Collection – ORVI
These mirrors are usually thin and made from hand-blown glass. They are meticulously cut into the desired shapes using basic tools like iron rods, chisels and pliers. Artisans create different patterns like a jharokha - an ornamental window or balcony, lotus petals, calligraphic scripts depending on the context.
Sacred Illumination: Thikri artwork by Happy Kumawat
Radiant Fusion: Thikri Glasswork in Harmony Thikri Glasswork by Vinayak Art Glass inlay Handicrafts
Unlike tiled mosaics, Thikri glass becomes a part of the wall, making it both durable and more integral to the architecture of the space.
In traditional workshops, artisans often work without digital templates, relying on years of training, memory and skill! Even the most skilled Thikri artisan may take up to a week to finish a single room. Nowadays, Thikri art is also done on smaller surfaces that can be used as decorative pieces on walls of homes and other spaces, rather than directly on walls and ceilings, making it accessible to more people, and ensuring a rise in the popularity of and demand for the artform.
The mirrors used in Thikri work are not just decorative, but carry various symbolic meanings. In many Indian traditions, mirrors represent clarity, self-awareness and cosmic truth. They are also believed to deflect negative energies and protect the home.
Following are a few commonly seen motifs in Thikri work -
Peacocks are a symbol of royalty and beauty, and are often depicted in Thikri work in vibrant colors and elaborate details.
Climbing Splendor: A Thikri Glass Symphony of Vibrant Peacock by Vinayak Art Glass inlay Handicrafts
Eternal Splendor: The Intricate Thikri Glass Plumage by Vinayak Art Glass inlay Handicrafts
Splendour reflections: The simmering artistry by Vinayak Art Glass inlay Handicrafts
Elephant Majesty: Thikri artwork by Happy Kumawat
Botanical Oasis: Colourful Flight Thikri Glasswork by Vinayak Art Glass inlay Handicrafts
Symphony of Colours: Mastery of Thikri Glasswork by Vinayak Art Glass inlay Handicrafts
Booming reflection: Warm petals and vibrant flora by Vinayak Art Glass inlay Handicrafts
Blooms of Reflection: Thikri Artwork by Vinayak Art Glass inlay Handicrafts
Some works also depict various deities like Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of auspicious new beginnings; Shrinathji, a form of Krishna, revered especially in Rajasthan; Buddha, etc.
Guardian of Auspicious Beginnings: A Thikri Glasswork by Happy Kumawat
Divine Melodies in Thikri by Happy Kumawat
Radiance of Enlightenment: A Thikri Glasswork of Gautam Buddha by Happy Kumawat
The mirrors are also often arranged in repeating geometric patterns like a mandala, giving it a meditative rhythm.
Contemporary Fusion: Mandana Art Transformed through Thikri Glasswork by Happy Kumawat
Luminous Elegance: A Tapestry of Intricate Patterns in Thikri Glasswork by Happy Kumawat
Though the art form faced decline in the late 20th century due to industrialization, Thikri art is now experiencing a slow but meaningful revival, with modern architects and designers turning to Thikri for its visual impact and cultural value.
Despite its revival, Thikri art remains endangered. Many traditional artisans, known as thikrakars, are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain themselves due to inconsistent patronage, lack of formal training opportunities and competition from cheaper, industrial alternatives like vinyl mirror stickers or laser-cut panels.
Younger generations often do not take up the practice, leading to a lack of skilled practitioners. With the means for transfer of traditional knowledge being oral, documentation of techniques and designs remains minimal, risking its loss.
Today, some institutions are beginning to recognize the value of these craft traditions and steps are being taken to map, document and support Thikri art.
In today’s fast-paced world obsessed with speed and uniformity, Thikri embodies slowness, precision, community and tradition. Every piece of mirror reflects not just light, but the memory of the artisan’s hand and the royalty it once served. It also aligns with contemporary concerns of sustainability, handmade beauty, cultural authenticity and the revival of local economies.
By supporting Thikri, whether by paying a visit to workshops in Jaipur or Udaipur, creating awareness by learning and spreading word about the art form or by bringing a piece of Thikri magic to your space, you become part of a much larger reflection, a reflection of India’s living heritage.
Check out our entire Thikri collection here
References
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Bhalla, Preminda Jacob. Imaging the City: Art, Creative Practices and Media Speculations. London: SAGE Publications, 2012.
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Singh, Kavita. “Decorative Practices in Indian Architecture: Mirror Work and Surface Ornamentation in Rajasthan.” Marg: A Magazine of the Arts 53, no. 3 (2002): 22–29.
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Trivedi, Madhu. “Artisans and Aesthetics: Mirror Work in Mughal and Rajput India.” Journal of South Asian Studies 37, no. 4 (2014): 555–573.
