Title

कांच चित्रण मोज़ेक (Glass Mosaic)

Rare

Kā̃ca citraṇa mozaik

Glass Mosaic

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Descriptionकांच 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
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/glass-mosaic
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/glass-mosaic
Total Sites1
Primary Sites1
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

Material Types

Types
Glass
Tile
Mosaic

Regions

Regions
India
Global

Historical Context

Time Periods
20th Century CE
21st Century CE

Geographic Sources

Sources
Glass factories
Mosaic tile manufacturers
Imported (e.g., Italy, China)

Properties

Properties
Density: 2500-2800 kg/m³
Water absorption: <0.5%
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Thermal expansion coefficient: 8-9 x 10⁻⁶ /°C

Common Uses

Uses
Wall cladding
Floor coverings
Decorative panels
Murals
Swimming pool linings
Inlay

Related Materials

Materials
Lime Mortar
Cement
Pigments
Epoxy Resin
Adhesives

Related Styles

Styles
Modern Architecture
Art Deco
Byzantine Architecture (historical context)

Related Categories

Categories
Temple
Residential
Commercial

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to chemical attack from strong acids
  • Grout deterioration
  • Requires pH-neutral detergents for cleaning

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple (Temple of Understanding)
Primary
100%

Frequently Asked Questions