The design is of Hoo (ho-oh) birds; a Chiness Phoenix in the background of paulownia leaves and flowers. The Hoo birds are a mythological bird known to appear in the time of peace and prosperity. The appearance is said to resemble a heron, eagle and peacock. They symbolize immortality, resurrection and life after death and they were the popular motif for every joyous occasion in Japan. The Japanese, at first, adopted a copy of Chinese design and later developed its own version. They have been associated with the Empress and her crest of kiri-no-mon (paulownia leaves) and had been used for many types of art, especially textiles and ceramics. Kakiemon often used this combination.