Long sleeved kimono (furisode) with imperial cart, aristocratic fans, ball-shaped floral sachet, and auspicious plants

御所車檜扇薬玉文様振袖 大正～昭和時代
This early-twentieth-century kimono, with its long sleeves and bright colors, would have been worn by an unmarried woman for festive occasions. It dates to around the same time as the two Japanese Friendship Dolls shown in the long case on the opposite wall; can you see the similarity to the dolls' kimonos? The motifs on this kimono include an imperial cart and two fans of the type carried by aristocratic women. A talismanic round floral sachet wraps over one shoulder above flowers and plants of various seasons: pine, bamboo, plum, paulownia, tachibana orange, maple leaves, and chrysanthemum. Such aristocratic and auspicious symbolism expresses high hopes for a young woman's future. Three crests across the upper back represent the family that ordered this garment.