Set against a richly variegated nashiji ground, a free design of paulownia leaves in gold takamakie decorates this jar. Originally associated exclusively with the imperial family from the Heian period (794­1185), the paulownia symbol was later permitted for use by the rising military classes. The 16th century military ruler Hideyoshi chose it for his crest thereby implying a direct connection to, and validation of, power from the imperial household. By the 18th century it had been taken up by the merchant class and appears in a number of styles. The form seen here is perhaps its classic portrayal: a single distinctive leaf with the panicles of its spring flowering rising behind.