清少納言が枕草子にも記した、淡い紫色の花が特徴的な桐。古来中国では空想上の鳥「鳳凰」の棲む木として尊ばれ、その故事が日本にも伝わり、吉祥文様として中世以降天皇の御衣に使われるようになりました。織田信長や豊臣秀吉などにも紋章として用いられ、現在の日本政府の紋章にもなっている植物です。

The paulownia, empress tree known for its delicate lavender flowers, as noted by Sei Shonagon in "The Pillow Book, Makuranosoushi" holds a rich cultural significance. Revered as the mythical tree housing the phoenix in ancient China, its legend traversed to Japan, where it became a symbol of auspiciousness. Since the medieval period, it adorned the ceremonial attire of the Emperor as an auspicious motif. Used as a heraldic symbol by historical figures like Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the paulownia continues to feature in the current emblem of the Japanese government, embodying a plant deeply intertwined with the cultural tapestry of Japan.

Obi fabrics with this Japanese pattern from the obico selection