Over the past few seasons tag has introduced a variety of home products inspired by henna design directions. Our catalog features ceramics, melamine, textiles, and lighting items that take henna patterns and apply them in creative new ways. These have already proven to be as timeless as the rich, historic henna traditions. Our henna collection for spring/summer 2017 begins on page 58 of our catalog, but you'll find stunning henna designs throughout the book.

But what is exactly is henna?

We're sure that many of you are already familiar with henna hair coloring, and perhaps body decorations. In fact, if you Google "henna" and click on "images," the first several rows of photographs will be henna patterns applied to hands, wrists, arms, legs, and feet. But did you know that the word "henna" comes from the name of the plant that produces the dye used in the original body applications of antiquity?

The henna plant is found in warm climates, especially Africa, central Asia, and India. Its leaves are dried, milled, and sifted. Dry henna powder is then mixed with water, lemon juice, tea, or other liquids to produce the paste that is applied to the skin.

The designs are most often beautiful, intricate, lace-like patterns. Our tag designers have taken historic henna designs re-interpreted them on our famous range of home materials including block print textiles and hand stamped stoneware (spring summer 2017 pages 59-61); coir mats (page 53); and even melamine dinnerware and coordinating cotton napkins (page 100-101), plus acrylic stemless wine glasses (page 103).

And because henna patterns are applied in monochromatic rich ebony blacks, they coordinate with every color and any decor. The cross merchandising and "tablescape" possibilities are endless. Be sure also to see our henna flour sack dishtowel assortment, ready for sale in a 25-piece CDU, on page 155.