Design lacquer work maldives. Nov 3 2015 maldivian laquer ware. Maldives had trade connections with china even during ancient times and it is believed that liyelaa jehun is a craft that maldivians inherited from the chinese. It is then coated layer upon layer with lacquer of different colours.
During laajehun or lacquer work a piece of wood is sculpted to the desired form. The design is then hand etched from memory. It is then coated layer upon layer with lacquer of differing colours.
During laajehun or lacquer work a piece of wood is sculpted to the desired form. Vases and small boxes are the most common lacquer work items in tourist shops and the designs follow traditional colors and styles though the objects themselves are a response to tourist demand. During laajehun or lacquer work a piece of wood is sculpted to the desired form.
Like most maldivian art lacquer working is an obsolete art form which is now being practiced in a handful of local islands. Maldivian lacquer ware is a wonder to behold. The design is then hand etched from memory.
Lacquer work is locally known as liyelaa jehun or laa jehun. Once the lacquer coating is finished it is polished with dry coconut leaves. Liye laajehun as it is called in dhivehi involves the process of shaping and hollowing out pieces of wood to form beautifully crafted boxes containers and ornamental objects.
Production of lacquer work seems to be a viable cottage industry and is concentrated in baa particularly the island of thulhaadhoo. Since the introduction of the tourism industry to maldives lacquered works were famous as souvenirs for the guests. It usually involves 2 different stages.
Wooden lacquer ware perhaps the most distinctive of the maldivian handicrafts these are almost exlclusively produced in thulhaadhoo in baa atoll. Once the lacquer coating is finished it is polished with dry coconut leaves. Lacquer work with intricate designs produced from memory and mainly featured on wood carved objects such as vases and jewellery boxes maldivian lacquer works are a wonder to behold.
It is then coated layer upon layer with lacquer of different colours. May 12 2016 maldivian laquer ware. While these may be smaller in size these carvings supplemented by lacquer designs have as much if not more artistic value.
Unique to the baa atoll unesco world biosphere reserve it is the maldives most recognisable craft form featuring bright intricate designs on native wood carved objects such as vases and jewellery boxes.