Indian Jali Work Panel

A tall, narrow screen of interlocking scallops, fine enough to sift light.

This jali work panel comes from Rajasthan, India, and dates to the 18th century. Jali, pierced screens of stone or wood cut in geometric lattice, have long been used in Rajasthani architecture to let air and light into a room while keeping it shaded and private. The pierced field is a dense, repeating pattern of overlapping arcs, like fish scales, in a pale cream tone. It is held in a plain black frame that runs its full length, which makes the lattice glow by contrast. It is 17.5 inches wide, 3 deep and 106 high.

Privacy, with excellent ventilation.