noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
certified; guaranteed (genuine)
Originally referred to an item with a certificate of authenticity, especially in art or antiques. Now used more broadly for something acknowledged as the real thing or of assured quality.
See also: 極め付きの品
This tea bowl is a certified piece, complete with a box inscription.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
of established reputation; acknowledged; notorious
Describes someone or something widely recognized for a particular quality, whether positive (acclaimed) or negative (notorious). Often used in the pattern ～の極め付き.
He is an acknowledged man of integrity.
That restaurant is notorious for its terrible food.
pièce de résistance; the best (or worst) example
Colloquial use as a noun, often in the pattern ～の極め付き, to mean the ultimate or most outstanding example of something, whether good or bad.
This dish is the pièce de résistance of today's meal.
certified genuine article; guaranteed authentic item
Standard kanji spelling; the most common written form.
Variant with okurigana つき instead of 付き; less common but still encountered.
Originally referred to an object accompanied by a 極め書き, an expert’s written appraisal certifying an artwork or antique. It consequently came to mean certified, genuine, or a superlative example.