“Seal of the King of Japan” & Seal Box (Important Cultural Property)
Mori Museum, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

In 1404, the Yongle Emperor of the Ming dynasty of China sent to Japan a gold seal inscribed with the words “Seal of the King of Japan.” The seal was for use on official correspondence sent to the Ming Court. The seal at the Mori Museum is a wooden replica thought to have been used by the Ouchi clan of Yamaguchi in place of the gold seal, as the Ouchi clan played a central role in the tally trade with China during this period. After the demise of the Ouchi, the Mori clan, which recognized the importance of the seal, obtained it and added it to its collection of family treasures.