Indian Mughal Style Hand Carved Jali Work Panel

Star patterns in lace-like relief, with chipped corners on a pale gold frame.

This Mughal style hand carved sandstone jali work panel is from Rajasthan, India, and dates to the 18th century. A jali is a pierced or latticed screen, usually carved in stone, that lets air and light pass while keeping an interior private. Tall panel with a pointed arch filled by an intricate geometric lattice of stars and interlacing lines. A broad border of tiny pierced diamonds frames it, and a floral panel sits beneath. The left edge is chipped and worn. It is 28 inches wide, 3 deep and 72.5 high.

Geometry this intricate makes ordinary windows look downright lazy.