Japan, Empire. An Order of the Precious Crown, VI Class "Ripple", Cased

(宝冠章 / Hōkan-shō). Instituted in 1888. Multi-piece construction, oval centre bearing an ancient Japanese crown in silver gilt on a silver background, surrounded by a red enamelled ring that houses a beaded border on both sides, the base with four arms, each of which displays a floral design, the swirling clouds suspension in silver with light blue enamels, measuring 40.5 mm (w) x 64.2 mm (h) inclusive of its swirling clouds and laterally-pierced ball suspension, intact enamels, very light contact, on its original bow-tied ribbon with safety pin attachment, near extremely fine. Accompanied by its Rosette, measuring 12 mm in diameter with pinback, in its hardshelled case of issue, balsa wood frame, the exterior with a black lacquer finish, gilt characters on the lid, inside lid lined in violet satin and padded, the base lined in violet satin and incorporating a raised platform with a recessed medal bed, measuring 101 mm (w) x 131.5 mm (h) x 35 mm (h), the exterior with scattered chipping and contact marks evident in the black lacquer finish, wear present in the fabric overlying the hinged area, case very fine. Footnote: The Order of the Precious Crown is a Japanese order, established on January 4, 1888 by Emperor Meiji of Japan. Since the Order of the Rising Sun at that time was an Order for men, it was established as an Order for women. Originally the order had five classes, but on April 13, 1896, the sixth, seventh and eighth classes were added. Until 2003, the Order of the Precious Crown, which had eight ranks, was equivalent to the Order of the Rising Sun and was awarded as a women-only version of the Order of the Rising Sun. In 2003, the Order of the Rising Sun, previously reserved for males, was made available to women as well, and the lowest two classes of the Order of the Precious Crown were abolished. It is the lowest ranking of the Japanese orders currently awarded and conventionally reserved for female recipients (although men have also received it). Since 2003, the Order of the Precious Crown has only been given to female members of the imperial family in Japan and female members of the royal family in foreign countries only when it is specifically necessary for diplomatic ceremonies.