Richard Henry

Decorative and functional, lattice screens have been produced in countless geometric forms across Islamic lands over centuries. In New Delhi one such screen, there called a jaali, offers mesmerizing interplays of 6- and 12-sided figures. Originally crafted in the 16th century, it can be drawn today by following our step-by-step guide.

In this six-part series, we begin by learning how to draw, step by step, a swirling dance of geometry from a famous cut-tile wall panel in the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain. It’s easier than it looks.