Edo period, 18th century.
Gold makie on a nashiji ground. Black lacquer interior.
8.5 x 6.3 cm diam.
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.