Liyelaa Jehun Spindle Vase

Maldives’ President Mohamed Muizzu presented this gift to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during his State Visit to Singapore from June 30 to July 2, 2025.

^{Dimensions: 20 × 20 × 62 cm}

This gift is a spindle-shaped vase crafted in Maldivian lacquer tradition known as liyelaa jehun. The process involves shaping wood on a hand-spun lathe – commonly referred to as a dhigu haru or bomakan'dhu haru – before applying and polishing coloured laquer to create the finished surface.

Historically, Maldivian lacquerware held a special place in court and diplomatic life and was presented by rulers and governments as gifts to visiting emissaries as a showcase of national craftsmanship.