Nail polishes were available in 16th Century ?

The concept of the manicure began in India well over 5,000 years ago with the use of henna as a nail paint. This practice spread and was adopted by different cultures. It is believed that the people of southern Babylonia took it a step-further around 4,000 BC and turned to solid gold to achieve the perfect manicure. Very chic.

Now, let's flash-forward to 3,000 BC China. The Chinese viewed nail color as a way to indicate wealth and social status. They did not use henna or gold, but instead created a base mixture of egg whites, gelatin, beeswax and gum Arabic. The desired shades were created by adding rose, orchid and impatiens petals. It wasn't an easy process and the nails had to be soaked in this mixture for a few hours for the color to set. According to a 15th century Ming manuscript the colors used most often were varying shades of red and black.

Hmmm interesting isn't it ..

Viji