Japan, Empire. An Order of the Sacred Treasure VII Class, Cased and VI & VIII Class Award Documents
(瑞宝章, Zuihōshō). Instituted in 1888.
Includes:
1. Order of the Sacred Treasure, VII Class: in silver gilt, measuring 37 mm (w) x 41 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, traces of gilt wear, with contact marks, on its original triangular ribbon with hook and eye, very fine. Accompanied by its Rosette, measuring 11.8 mm in diameter, with a button hole attachment, 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 platform incorporating a recessed medal bed in violet satin, measuring 60 mm in width x 95 mm in height x 25 mm in depth, exhibiting scuffing on the bottom, along with light contact overall, case also very fine.
2. Order of the Sacred Treasure, VI Class Award Document: printed in black, red, yellow, light blue and silver inks, on a thick off-white paper stock, with lacquer added to the red cabochons, illustrating the Imperial Seal of Japan in the centre along the top edge, the Order of the Sacred Treasure 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 Paulownia flowers in a 5-7-5 configuration and are interlaced with flowers, measuring 588 mm in width x 453 mm in height, rolled, exhibiting edge wear, along with light soiling and creasing overall.
3. Order of the Sacred Treasure, VIII Class Award Document 1921, Boxed: printed in black and red inks, on a thick off-white paper stock, dated 1921, illustrating the Imperial Seal of Japan in the centre along the top edge, the Order of the Sacred Treasure 8th Class award in the centre along the bottom edge, both of which are framed within a floral wreath, the framework for the text designed with repeating alternating images of the Imperial Seal and Paulownia flowers in a 5-7-5 configuration and are interlaced with flowers, measuring 585 mm in width x 453 mm in height, rolled, large tear evident at the upper right corner and exhibiting creasing overall, in its balsa wood box of issue with sliding lid, natural look exterior, the box measuring 470 mm in length x 45 mm in width x 43 mm in height, missing its end lip on the opening end.
Ranging from near fine to very fine.
Footnote: The Order of the Sacred Treasure is a Japanese order, established on January 4, 1888 by Emperor Meiji as the Order of Meiji. Originally awarded in eight classes (from 8th to 1st, in ascending order of importance), since 2003 it has been awarded in six classes, the lowest two medals being abolished that year. The most widely conferred Japanese order, it is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in research fields, business industries, healthcare, social work, state/local government fields or the improvement of life for handicapped/impaired persons. Originally a male-only decoration, the order has been made available to women since 1919. It is awarded for both civil and military merit, though of a lesser degree than that required for the conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun. Unlike most of its European counterparts, the order may be conferred posthumously.