This unusual interpretation of a textile in glass was probably built into the floor of an elaborate mosque in Bhopal in central India. It was inspired by the Indian prayer rug, and it retains the function, scale, and pattern of its model. The technical difficulties of manufacturing such a large flat glass object were overcome by producing the design in six separate pieces. The multicolored pattern typical of an Indian carpet is replaced by a monochrome design cut and engraved on the reverse of the panels. The transparency of the glass permits the deeply cut pattern to be viewed from above. At the same time, the design is protected beneath the smooth, polished upper surface. Several English and French glasshouses made elaborate furniture, fountains, and accessories for wealthy Indian buyers-including the country's royal families-in the late 19th century.