The Art of Mehndi [Paperback]

Sumita Batra (Author), Liz Wilde (Author), Ann Marie Gardner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1999

A stunning guide to the ultimate fashion statement by the henna body painter to the stars.

Mehndi, the ancient Indian art of henna design, is the hottest accessory sported by today's fashion world. Madonna made it famous in her Ray of Light videos; Liv Tyler showed it off on the cover of Vanity Fair; and Naomi Campbell flashed it on the catwalk. Now, Sumita Batra, mehndi artist to the stars, brings the definitive guide to this 3,000-year-old art form of body painting.

Among her many clients is Madonna, who asked Sumita Batra to decorate her hands and face for the 1998 MTV Video Awards ceremony. The Art of Mehndi delves into the history and symbolism of the art as well as mehndi in the fashion world of the 90s, and offers practical instruction on how to make and apply henna paste. More than 30 original designs, 125 color photographs, and 150 line drawings make this the must-have guide for both the fashion conscious and the spiritually conscious.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Studio; Open market ed edition (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 014028401X
• ISBN-13: 978-0140284010
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #207,526 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nearly Best on the Market for Mehndi, January 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Art of Mehndi (Paperback)

I have purchased nearly every book in English on the subject of mehndi and found this book to be the best for "showing" actual mehndi which anyone can produce given a little effort. The Art of Mehndi is very short on history. It makes a transition into the "modern" infatuation with it and bindis and other Indian cultural signafiers. Though the text may be limited at times and information just as limited, it does present incredible pictures of mehndi on numerous models and numerous styles. The best book for seeing actual designs on people and not flat 2-D designs. Well worth the money compared to other mehndi books on the market. If you want history in depth grab a copy of "Mehndi : The Timeless Art of Henna Painting" by Loretta Roome it contains all the indepth history of mehndi and a good chapter on symbolism.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rock stars and coffee tables, July 11, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of Mehndi (Paperback)

Pros: This book is beautifully constructed and will impress anyone interested in mehndi, especially those looking for images of famous current personas who currently adorn the work of prolific artists like Batra. Furthermore, Ms. Batra gives detailed step-by-step instructions in drawing a variety of different mehndi designs - you don't find this step by step stuff in too many books.

Cons: While this books works well on the coffee table and for the ineperienced artist who wants to learn how to draw henna and understand the technique of application, it doesn't give you too many historical details about henna or insight into the symbolism. The book falls into the trap of being too modern, too sugar-coated, and too Hollywood-oriented -- beautiful stars sport henna in all of its pictures, as if the author wants you to notice the people than the art they are wearing.

Despite these shortcomings, this book has a distinct purpose to cater to people interested in mehndi in its popular form, and it succeeds quite well. As I mentioned before, the pictures and the construction are both beautiful. Also, Sumitra's designs gave me ideas for my own.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The most color photos in one book!, March 25, 2000

By 

Carrie Russell - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Mehndi (Paperback)

Oh, yeah! Don't let too many of your friends look at this book or it might mysteriously dissappear! For those wanting henna designs for personal use or business, this book is ALWAYS the one people are drawn to. If you take it with you on too many henna appointments, it WILL get worn out. The photos are fabulous, and the designs are neat and clean. Not to say that they are all simple, NO! There are some really frilly Indian hardcore designs, that if you are a beginner, will look like an impossibility. BUT, the methods and techniques described in this book give anyone a clear knowledge of the application of henna, it's only the practice you need to do the really crazy designs! Many celebrity and model photos, as well as some great ideas for using mehndi designs with body paint for more instant gratification.