furisode-shoujo: This spring coordinate owned by Ninben okiya (Gion Kobu) is for senior maiko, and

furisode-shoujo:

This spring coordinate owned by Ninben okiya (Gion Kobu) is for senior maiko, and has been worn by Mamahana and Mamesome.

The mild green kimono has cherry blossom motifs that are pink, purple and yellow. The flower blooms at the end of March to mid April in kyoto, so it’s ideal to wear then.

It’s no secret that the star of this coordinate is the maneki neko obi. Maneki neko, or beckoning cats, have different meanings depending on their color, and the ones on this obi are modeled after the japanese bob-tail breed, meaning they welcome good luck, wealth and prosperity.
There are two different maneki neko on the obi. One wearing a bell for protection and inviting customers with its raised left paw. The other with a coin for wealth and inviting money and good business with its raised right paw.

While the obiage Mamehana and Mamesome wore are different, they both had cherry blossom motifs.

Pictures by Rick Osuna,Onihide,abbey j,kagen33, takataka0211andTeruhide Tomori