This item is part of The M. Quigley Collection: Orders of the Japanese Empire & Associated States. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
(桐花章 Tōka shō). Instituted 1888. An Early Order of the Rising Sun with Pawlonia Flowers, Grand Cordon Set containing a badge, in silver, presenting a white enamel three rayed cross with three purple pawlonia flowers in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presents a red enamelled starburst with glass cabochon in the center, reverse mirrors the obverse, the badge is surmounted by a green and purple enamelled Imperial Pawlonia crest in silver gilt, reverse of the suspension depicts gilded Japanese characters standing for “Order of Merit Decoration”, measuring 77.21 mm (w) x 114.6 mm (h - inclusive of pawlonia suspension), weighs 103.0 grams, chips to multiple pawlonia flowers on the obverse and reverse, light crazing and a small chip to the white enamel ray at 12 o’clock on both sides, several small enamel chips in the green enamel of the suspension on both sides, a rare Grand Cordon Badge in near extremely fine condition. The Star of the Order, in silver, presenting a white enamel three rayed cross with three purple pawlonia flowers in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presents a red enamelled starburst with glass cabochon in the center, the reverse features a single vertical pin flanked by dual stays, with engraved Japanese characters meaning “Order of Merit Decoration” in the center, with four rivets to secure the obverse medallion, measures 88.57 mm (w) x 88.68 mm (h), weighs 101.8 grams, crazing to enamels in 12 o’clock arm, small flecks to enamels throughout, remains in extremely fine condition.
Accompanied by a full length original Grand Cordon Sash with large rosette, in extremely fine condition.
Contained in original case of issue, comprising a black exterior with gilded lettering presenting an early style Kanji with Pawlonia flower on the lid, the interior features a dark purple velvet lid and recessed medalbed, with storage compartment for sash, the case measures 135 mm (w) x 235 mm (h) x 75 mm (d), hinge functional, clasp does not catch, small scratches to exterior, remains in better than very fine condition.
The case is contained in the original wooden box, with a modern photo of the set adhered to the lid, measuring 106 mm (w) x 290 mm (h) x 88 mm (d), in extremely fine condition.
Footnote: Order of the Rising sun is the first order officially established by the Japanese government in Meiji restoration. The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun with Paulownia Flowers (旭日桐花大綬章) was established in 1888 as the highest class of the order until 2003. The Grand Cordon (1st class) of the order can be award to generals or high rank civil officers (勅任官) with excellence contributions.