| Title | कांच चित्रण मोज़ेक (Glass Mosaic)Rare Kā̃ca citraṇa mozaik Glass Mosaic |
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| Description | कांच मोज़ेक (Kānch Mozaik), or glass mosaic, consists of small colored glass tesserae embedded in a binding medium, traditionally lime mortar or more recently, cementitious adhesives. The glass, primarily soda-lime silica [2], derives from silica-rich sands sourced from riverbeds (e.g., Ganga, Yamuna) and processed with *kshara* (alkali) fluxes. Density ranges from 2500-2800 kg/m³, with low water absorption (<0.5%) [3]. Mohs hardness is 5-6, and thermal expansion is 8-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C [3]. Historically, glass mosaic finds extensive use in Indic architecture, particularly during the Mughal and Rajput periods, adorning palaces and religious structures. Examples can be seen in Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) at Amber Fort. Traditional *sthapatis* (architects) employed techniques for cutting and setting tesserae to create intricate patterns. Conservation involves careful cleaning, consolidation of the binding medium, and replacement of damaged tesserae with compatible glass [1]. Durability concerns include alkali-silica reaction and weathering. Understanding the original *rasayana* (chemical composition) is crucial for restoration. |
| Also Known As | Glass Mosaic Kā̃ca citraṇa mozaik Glass Mosaic Mosaic Tile Glass Tile Mosaic कांच मोज़ेक शीशा मोज़ेक काच मोज़ेक चित्रित कांच मोज़ेक கண்ணாடி மொசைக் (Tamil) గాజు మొజాయిక్ (Telugu) ಗಾಜಿನ ಮೊಸಾಯಿಕ್ (Kannada) ചില്ല് മൊസൈക് (Malayalam) |
| Tags | कांच Kānch Glass Mosaic Tile Tesserae |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-477966431-20-11-25-KN |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/glass-mosaic |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/glass-mosaic |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Glass Tile Mosaic |
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| Regions | India Global |
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| Time Periods | 20th Century CE 21st Century CE |
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| Sources | Glass factories Mosaic tile manufacturers Imported (e.g., Italy, China) |
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| Properties | Density: 2500-2800 kg/m³ Water absorption: <0.5% Mohs hardness: 5-6 Thermal expansion coefficient: 8-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C |
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| Uses | Wall cladding Floor coverings Decorative panels Murals Swimming pool linings Inlay |
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| Materials | Lime Mortar Cement Pigments Epoxy Resin Adhesives |
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| Styles | Modern Architecture Art Deco Byzantine Architecture (historical context) |
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| Categories | Temple Residential Commercial |
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| Notes |
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| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple (Temple of Understanding) | Primary | 100% |