The displayed latticework dates back to pre-Mughal times and has been made by Ahmedabad Word Carving Company (AWCC), also known as Hatheesing Design Company.

AWCC was regularly commissioned to craft wooden interiors for monumental projects such as the Falaknuma Palace (1893), Gateway of India (1911), and the Prince of Wales Museum (1922) itself. Consequently the company found favour with American designers for their furniture. This particular screen was exported to the USA and eventually found home at Lockwood De Forest’s home.

The concept of a Tree of Life is an archetype in many cultures. This manifestation is particularly popular in Ahmedabad and can also be seen at the famous jali of Sidi Sayyid’s Mosque, which has been adopted as the emblem of IIM Ahmedabad today.