Japan, Empire. An Order of the Rising Sun, VI Class, Cased with Award Document 1969
(Kyokujitsu_sho / 旭日小綬章). Instituted in 1875. In silver with white, green and violet enamels, red glass cabochon on the obverse, a 3-5-3 configuration in the Paulownia flowers, measuring 46.5 mm in width x 71.5 mm in height inclusive of its Paulownia flowers and laterally-pierced ball suspension, missing its cabochon on the reverse, contact marks overall, on its original ribbon with hook and eye, fair. 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, base with a recessed medal bed in violet felt, measuring 67.5 mm in width x 131 mm in height x 28.5 mm in depth, nicks and contact marks evident on the exterior, case fine. Accompanied by its Award Document, printed in black, red, green, violet and silver inks, on a thick off-white paper stock, faded to a sepia-toned look, dated 1969, illustrating the Imperial Seal of Japan in the centre along the top edge, the Order of the Rising Sun 6th Class award in the centre along the bottom edge in colour, both of which are framed within a floral wreath, the framework for the text designed with repeating alternating images of the Imperial Seal and the Order of the Rising Sun award interlaced with flowers, measuring 590 mm in width x 418 mm in height, rolled, exhibiting discolouration and sunning overall from having been frame mounted, two tears evident on the right edge, along with creasing overall, document also fine.
Footnote: The Order of the Rising Sun is a Japanese order, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji of Japan. The Order was the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese government, created on April 10, 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 ("Land of the Rising Sun"). The order is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in the following fields: international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment. Prior to the end of the Second World War, it was also awarded for exemplary military service. Beginning in 2003, the two lowest rankings (7th and 8th classes) for the Order of the Rising Sun were abolished, with the highest degree becoming a separate order known as the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, with the single rank of Grand Cordon. While it is the third highest order bestowed by the Japanese government, it is however generally the highest ordinarily conferred order. The highest Japanese order, the Order of the Chrysanthemum, is reserved for heads of state or royalty, while the second highest order, the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, is mostly reserved for politicians.