THE STORY
MEET KHALED AND HIS FAMILY
The lanterns are crafted by Khaled Yahya and his family in the old city of Sana’a. Each member of Khaled’s family takes on a different role in production, from designing the base, melding it, stitching the cloth and polishing the brass. Khaled has been making lanterns for 19 years, it is a craft he learnt from his parents. The craft is now under threat due to the conflict, which has seen the price of raw materials increase and demand from customers decrease.
THE DESIGN
We designed these lanterns in collaboration with the artisans at Yemen Journey. The brass base and top are an adaption of the traditional Yemeni lantern design which tend to have solid bases, whereas these ones have carved shapes creating interesting shapes when the light shines through. The geometric and lunar patterns are inspired by the elaborately designed, colourful metal doors that decorate the old city of Sana’a.
THE USE
Yemeni lanterns are traditionally used as interior decoration, in particular they are hung in the mafraj or diwaan rooms. They also look beautiful hanging from trees or across lines in gardens and courtyards. Please use them with caution if using a candle in windier weather.
