Pakistani jandi or lacquerwork has deteriorated in materials it employed because of supply problems. The author describes the basic procedure whereby several layers of lac mixed with pigment are applied to wooden articles. Carving the design then reveals the coloured layers. Pigments traditionally used were black (soot), red (madder), yellow (orpiment) and green (a mixture of orpiment and indigo). Unfortunately widespread addition of rosin to the lac meant that modern jandi work, instead of being brilliant, tough and permanent, fades, crazes and flakes. The article describes how improvements in working technology and materials were introduced. High opacity light fast paint pigments are used now, and since export customers require a high permanent gloss on articles, polyurethane varnish is the preferred gloss coating. Photographs.