LAAJEHI PEN

With intricate designs produced from memory and mainly featured on wood carved objects such as vases and jeweler, Maldivian lacquer works are a wonder to behold. During laajehun, or lacquer work, a piece of wood is sculpted to the desired form. It is then coated, layer upon layer, with lacquer of differing colors. Black, Red and Yellow are the colors most prominently used traditionally – green is also sometimes used while gold and silver dust are used to add appeal to select works. Once the lacquer coating is finished it is polished with dry coconut leaves. The design, which is rarely pre-planned yet always exquisite, is then etched by handy boxes, Maldivian lacquer works are a wonder to behold.