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Red Sandstone Jālī

North India, 17th/18th century

Provenance: Purchased from Sotheby’s New York, March 1988

125cm high, 69cm wide

 

This red sandstone jālī or screen of arched form features latticework in a design that combines different geometric patterns. The design consists of hexagons with central six-pointed stars, which are the intersections of horizontal and diagonal parallel lines. The border is plain and frames the entire central design panel.

Jālīs were commonly found in Mughal Indian architecture, serving as windows or dividers between rooms. They offered the practical function of keeping the interior of a building cool, as the holes in the screen allowed for air to pass through and circulate. Additionally, the light passing through the carved geometric decoration resulted in beautiful shadows exhibited across the walls and floors, which would move and shift throughout the day, as well as providing privacy. The use of red sandstone was particularly favoured from as early as the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar (1550-1605).

The geometric design used for this screen finds its parallel in panels from Dīwān-e Khass, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra as well as panels from the Red Fort, Delhi.
 

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The BADA Standard

  • Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
  • Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
  • Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
  • Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
  • Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
Click here for more information on the BADA Standard