Usagi Shikibu is an educational model displaying court kimonos worn by aristocrats in Heian Period Japan. Coordinating the colors of their many-layered kimonos was one of many visual arts practiced by these aristocrats, particularly the noble women. Though the robes themselves were extravagant, the mark of true sophistication and status was an artful composition.
This particular color pallete, gradient purples with a red under-gown, was reserved for royalty and their immediate family.
Meticulous discussion of court attire can be found in The Pillow Book, a free-form memoir written by court lady Sei Shonagon who served Empress Teishi around the year 1000.
