Jali

Tomb of Humayun
Delhi, India

This beautiful pierced screen (jali) decorates the front of the building, where it gives light to a cenotaph within (next page). The overall design of the screen is an arched window within an arched window. The tiling of the inner window is simple and compact, with its X'es and boxes, while the tiling of the outer window is expansive and complex with its boxes, hexagons, and stars. Together, they lead the viewer's eye both inward and outward.