The costume is said to have been acquired in Persia (Iran) by Lieutenant-Colonel (later Sir) Justin Shiel, who was envoy and minister to the Persian court. It may be compared to costumes shown in Qajar-period portraits. The distinctive double-slit front to the blouse appears to have been characteristic to the second quarter of the century (ref. S.J. Falk, Qajar Paintings, 1972). Purchased by the V&A from Sotheby's.