Miniature Henna ritual
Miniature painting of a royal lady’s feet being decorated with henna.
miniature painting vividly captures a serene and intimate moment in a royal court. The leisurely activity of applying henna takes place on the terrace of the zenana (womens’) quarters, set against a background of rolling hills and a lake full of blooming pink lotuses. At the centre is a regal lady, her posture dignified yet relaxed, indicating her high status. Surrounded by her attendants engaged in activities that indicate their role in serving the royal lady. Henna has natural cooling properties which are believed to provide relief from the heat and is also considered a symbol of joy and beauty which clearly makes this a relaxed and leisurely subject the artist has chosen to depict.