This silk dounuki showcases a large repeated kanji character meaning 'horse' on the bodice. It measures 49 inches (124 cm) from sleeve end to sleeve-end and stands at 58 inches (147 cm) in height. Horses hold significant roles in two of Japan's prominent religions: in Shinto, they're believed to control rainfall and act as messengers between earthly and heavenly realms, while Buddhism regards horses as mounts for deities like Nichiten, the god of the sun.

Given the cultural significance of the horse and considering the Japanese fascination with Chinese astrology, it's plausible that this inner kimono from a kimono set was created and worn during a Year of the Horse.