Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor of India, was considered a great ruler. He ruled during the height of the empire, The Golden Age, one of the most prosperous times for India. He is best known for commissioning the Taj Mahal. Out of love for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, he created this, a great monument to her upon her death.
The Taj Mahal, a burial place for Mumtaz Mahal and later Shah Jahan as well, is widely considered a wonder of the world. The outside of the Taj Mahal is white marble and the inside has beautiful inlay work of stone, semi precious stones and gemstones. The Shah Jahan cue is reflective of the Tah Mahal because it was inspired by the beauty and symmetry of the awe inspiring mausoleum.
The layout of the Taj Mahal is completely symmetrical with the exception of Shah Jahan's tomb. Although the colors change in the different sections to add interest, the cue also follows the symmetric nature of the building.
Blue Box Elder Burl was used on the forearm because the texture and color are so reminiscent of river water. The Taj was built on the bank of the river Yamuna.
Holly is the background of the inlay work because it's lily white color is reflective of the white marble of the Taj Mahal. Within the inlay section of the cue are blue lapis, oyster, box elder burl, ebony, and angel wing shell.
The Taj Mahal took twenty years and 20,000 craftsmen...the Shah Jahan cue took an amazing group of ten and about 300 hours. Thanks to the team!