Jali

CultureIndian
Titles
  • Jali
Date1605–1627
MediumSandstone; carved and pierced
Dimensions49 5/8 × 37 × 3 3/8 in. (126 × 94 × 8.5 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase funded by Rania and Jamal Daniel
Object number2013.83
Current Location
The Caroline Wiess Law Building
113 Islamic Art Gallery
On view

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DescriptionCarved screens, called jalis, are used in Indian architecture as windows, room dividers, and railings around thrones, platforms, terraces, and balconies. The pierced openings allow light and air to enter the room while providing privacy and shade from the sun. This jali is carved on both sides and has an inscription, “Allah,” in naskh script on one side and a floral roundel on the other. Elaborate geometric and floral designs are characteristic decorative elements of Mughal architecture. This jali relates to contemporary screens found in Agra as well as the tomb complexes of Amir Khusrau, built in 1605 in Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi.
ProvenancePossibly Prince Boncompagni Ludovisi family; Private collection, Somerset, England since 1980s; [Francesca Galloway, London]; purchased by MFAH, 2013.
Exhibition History"Peacock in the Desert: The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, March 4–August 19, 2018.

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