[Plate XVI.] is a representation of Darius, King of Persia, sixth and fifth centuries B.C.; he is wearing the Median “Robe of Honour.” It will be seen from the plan ([Fig. 40A]) that this robe is sewn up each side, leaving a space of 20 inches on either side for the hands. Like the Egyptian robe, the material required is twice the height of the figure, the material is doubled, a neck-hole cut, and the garment is pulled on over the head. The Persian or Median method of wearing the garment is unique: a girdle is tightly bound round the waist, and then the robe is pulled up at either side over the girdle so as to produce the very elegant effect shown in [Plate XVI.] and [Fig. 40], which is a modern drawing of the front view of [Plate XVI.], the result giving great freedom to the arms. The King seems to have two robes of the same cut, one under the other.
PLATE XVI
