The Taj Mahal - perhaps the world's most extravagant monument of love - nearly bankrupted a kingdom in the building of it. Twentytwo years in construction it brought together the most skilled craftsmen and artisans from around the Mughal Empire. Here is just a small sample of their work
On the domed ceilings,
inlaid marble wall decoration,
delicately carved fretwork, in this case red sandstone from one of the three gatehouses,
Iron work covering the doors,
This pillar is a clever optical illusion, appearing to have a star shaped cross-section, when really it has flat hexagonal sides.
Even the floors were not forgotten, becoming almost 3-D in appearance when viewed from a certain angle.
The Red Fort, visible from the Taj was constructed from red sandstone was also richly patterned.
To enter the Fort you cross a drawbridge - wonderful line and texture.
Whilst this angled turret was richly decorated with highly coloured geometric patterns.
Even a humble stone or brick wall can provide the inspiration for texture and shape.
How about using this carved surface as the inspiration for some traditional English hand piecing?
Or using the interlocking heart motif, on the right, for bias strip appliqué whilst the flower design on the left would also be a lovely appliqué motif.
More quilting patterns, for hand or machine, from this fretwork grill
or how about taking the design from this small column?
So much to see in just this one place ...
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