An exhibition of court garments worn by Emperors and Imperial family members in the 18th and 19th centuries opened Saturday at a museum inside the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, the first time the items have been displayed in Japan.

Chinese-style ceremonial garment worn by Emperor Komei at his enthronement.

The event, held at the Museum of the Imperial Collections Sannomaru Shozokan, shows 31 traditional kimono used by Emperor Komei (1831-1867), his wife, Empress Dowager Eisho, Emperor Meiji (1852-1912), as well as accessories, dolls and pictures. All items are usually kept in a storehouse at the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Most of the items were on display at a national museum in the Netherlands from June to August, in an exhibition commemorating the 400th anniversary of ties between the two countries, officials of the Imperial Household Agency said.

Items on display in Tokyo that were not shown in the Netherlands include a crown worn by Emperor Meiji, agency officials said.

"It is astonishing that the garments and other items are in such good condition, and given the possible deterioration of the artifacts, the exhibition will be the first and last event," a curator at the museum said.

The exhibition is separated into two parts. The first runs through Oct. 29 and the second is being held between Nov. 3 and Dec. 10.

The first part will feature a Chinese-style ceremonial kimono worn by Emperor Komei, who reigned in the late Edo period. Also on display will be a fan made of Japanese cypress used by Emperor Meiji, Emperor Komei's successor.

The second part will feature an orange kimono worn by Emperor Meiji and ceremonial attire worn by Empress Dowager Eisho.

Admission is free, and the museum will be closed Mondays and Fridays.