Pierced Window Screen (Jali)
Jalis, or pierced screens, were used extensively in Indian architecture as windows, room dividers, and railings. In the course of the day, the movement of their patterns in silhouette across the floor would enhance the pleasure of their intricate geometry. This jali, one of a pair, would have formed part of a series of windows set in an outside wall, as suggested by the weathering on one side. They are attributed to the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar (r. 1550–1605), when red sandstone was the favored building material.
Artwork Details
- Title: Pierced Window Screen (Jali)
- Date: second half 16th century
- Geography: Probably made in India, Agra
- Medium: Red sandstone; pierced, carved
- Dimensions: H. 73 1/4 in. (186 cm)
W. 51 3/4 in. (131.4 cm)
D. 3 9/16 in. (9 cm)
Wt. 780 lbs in crate (353.8 kg) - Classification: Stone
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1993
- Object Number: 1993.67.1
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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second half 16th century
15th–early 16th century
dated 905 AH/1500 CE
probably 16th century
16th century
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