# Magnificent Matchstick Replicas The Shaikh Salimbhai Taj Mahal is a Grandious Miniature Piece By Ana Lopez | Published 2011-10-12 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shaikh-salimbhai-taj-mahal References: [odditycentral](http://www.odditycentral.com/news/indian-artist-makes-detailed-model-of-the-taj-mahal-from-matchsticks.html) Even though a smaller version of one of the eight wonders of the world, the Shaikh Salimbhai Taj Mahal is equally as impressive as the original palace. The Indian artist decided to replace the coldness of the marble to use a warmer material, wood. This [miniature model](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/small-muji) was made from [75,000 matchsticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/match-house) and a lot of patience. To create this [identical replica](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trevi-fountain-model), the artist spent almost a year and 19 days to complete it. The result is jaw-dropping as the iconic Indian structure was recreated almost identically in this smaller version. I'm fascinated by the talent of this artist, who had to be not only very dedicated to his work, but also very skillful. The Shaikh Salimbhai Taj Mahal was unveiled on October 9 in the Indian city of Ahmedabad. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 28% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Miniature Art:** Creating intricate and detailed miniature replicas using unconventional materials like matchsticks or wood. - **Sustainable Crafts:** Utilizing eco-friendly materials such as matchsticks to create artistic masterpieces. - **Time-intensive Creations:** Artists dedicating significant amounts of time and patience to meticulously craft replicas and models. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art and Crafts:** Opportunity for artists and artisans to explore unconventional materials and techniques for creating miniature artworks. - **Home Decor:** Incorporating unique and sustainable decor pieces like matchstick replicas to add a touch of creativity and eco-consciousness to interiors. - **Tourism and Travel:** Attracting tourists and collectors who are interested in visiting or acquiring miniature replicas of iconic structures/cultural landmarks. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Nature-Inspired Building Block Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seven-natural-wonders-of-the-world.md) - [Paper-Made Mosaic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/real-life-architecture-exhibition.md) - [Parisian Landmark Chocolate Replicas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/notre-dame-cathedral.md) - [Micro-Sized Puzzle Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smallest-rubiks-cube.md) - [Art Sculpture Miniature Replicas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/love-replica.md) - [Insanely Intricate LEGO Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-rollsroyce.md) - [Iconic Painting-Inspired Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/girl-with-a-pearl-earring-1.md) - [Sophisticated Table Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monumental-table.md) - [Intricate Jigsaw Puzzles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intricate-jigsaw-puzzle.md)