historical documents paper

Ingredients

henna leaves, warm water

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

Based on the Golzār-e ဠafā treatise, henna-to-water is used in a 1:10 weight ratio. One 'Seer' (75 g) of henna leaves was mixed with 750 ml of warm water. The mixture was left for one day until the dye was fully extracted. The solution was filtered, and paper samples were dyed in it and subsequently dried in the shade (p. 78).

Evidence

"Traditional recipes mentioned an approximate proportion henna-to-water of 1:10 by weight. Therefore, one ‘Seer’ (75 g) of leaves of henna was mixed with 750 ml of warm water. In accordance with the recipe, henna and water are put away until the dye is extracted fully extracted (one day). Then the coloured solution was filtered, and the paper samples were dyed and dried in the shade."

Remarks

Henna is specifically recommended for producing a natural color called 'kodrang' in historical documents, used either alone or mixed with saffron (p. 78).