paulownia crest
A family crest (kamon) featuring the paulownia flower and leaves. Historically associated with the imperial family and later granted to retainers; now widely used in official contexts such as the Japanese government seal.
The paulownia crest is also used as the emblem of the Japanese government.
Compound of 桐 (kiri, 'paulownia') and 紋 (mon, 'crest'). The paulownia motif has been used in Japanese heraldry since the Heian period.