By Turquoise Mountain
Kabul, Afghanistan
Jali Screens (2013)Turquoise Mountain
Jali refers to a latticed screen made of wood or stone that usually has an ornamental pattern based on geometric designs. This style is found throughout the Islamic world. In Morocco and much of the Middle East, it is known as 'mashrabiyya', while in Afghanistan and South Asia it is called jali.
Jali in Kabul
Jali screens were frequently employed in traditional domestic and public architecture in Kabul. Areas such as Murad Khani and Asheqan-o-Arefan, which was restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, have excellent surviving examples of this work.
Creating Jali
To make jali, a woodworker traces a geometric design onto paper. He then cuts thin slivers of walnut or cedar wood with a fine saw. These pieces are matched to the tracing paper to ensure exact sizing. After the pieces are in place, the entire piece is clamped together to ensure a strong fit.
Jali ball by World Economic ForumTurquoise Mountain
Jali art piece (2013)Turquoise Mountain
Jali Coffee Table (2018) by Turquoise MountainTurquoise Mountain
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