Paulownia
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Paulownia is a genus of seven to 17 species of hardwood trees in the family Paulowniaceae, the order Lamiales. The genus and family are native to east Asia and are widespread across China. The genus, originally Pavlovnia but now usually spelled Paulownia, was named in honour of Anna Pavlovna, queen consort of The Netherlands (1795–1865), daughter of Tsar Paul I of Russia. It is also called "princess tree" for the same reason.
Paulownia imperialis'
A: new buds; B: inflorescences; C: corolla tube; D: superior bilocular ovary; E: leaves; F: ovary capsules; G: seeds
A Japanese Kobundō (小分銅), 95–97% gold, "Paulownia" Kiri (桐) mark, Kikubana (菊花) emblem, 373.11 grams, Japan
Order of the Rising Sun
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The Order of the Rising Sun is a Japanese order, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji. The Order was the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese government, created on 10 April 1875 by decree of the Council of State. The badge features rays of sunlight from the rising sun. The design of the Rising Sun symbolizes energy as powerful as the rising sun in parallel with the "rising sun" concept of Japan.
US Navy Admiral Dennis C. Blair (2002). He was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (1st class) for his contribution to the stability and development of the international community.
7th Class (Abolished in 2003)
8th Class (Abolished in 2003)