Jalee work

DEFINITION

Urdu for a openwork stone screen usually carved of white marble or fine red sandstone. Jalee screens are most typically found in Mughal architecture, and simultaneously create a private space while producing patterns of light. They allow for cooling breezes to refresh on the hottest day, while their delicate tracery enhances the space and light in an interior environment.Examples: India, Mughal; found at / reportedly from Fatehpur Sikri, India, Jalee screen, one of a pair, second half of the 16th century, carved red sandstone, 73 1/4 x 51 3/16 x 3 9/16 inches (186 x 130 x 9 cm), Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY. See lattice.