Japan, Empire. Four Wartime Award Documents Issued to Members of the Army
Includes:
1. 8th Class Award Document, Issued to an Army Engineer: printed in black and red inks, on a thick off-white paper stock, illustrating the Imperial Seal of Japan in the centre along the top edge, the Order of the Rising Sun 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 the Order of the Rising Sun award interlaced with flowers, measuring 585 mm in width x 453 mm in height, rolled, exhibiting minor edge wear and creases.
2. 8th Class Award Document, Issued to an Army Engineer: printed in black and red inks, on a thick off-white paper stock, illustrating the Imperial Seal of Japan in the centre along the top edge, the Order of the Rising Sun 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 the Order of the Rising Sun award interlaced with flowers, measuring 590 mm in width x 450 mm in height, rolled, exhibiting minor edge wear and creases.
3. 1904-1905 Russo-Japanese War Medal Award Document, Issued to an Army Engineer: printed in black and red inks, on a thin off-white paper stock, illustrating the Imperial Seal of Japan in the centre along the top edge and framed within a floral wreath, the 1904-1905 Russo-Japanese War Medal in the centre along the bottom edge and framed within a trophy of arms, measuring 458 mm in width x 364 mm in height, rolled, exhibiting creasing and fold marks.
4. Army Award Document, 1928: printed in black, red and gold inks, on a thick off-white paper stock, dated 1928, illustrating the Imperial Seal of Japan in the centre along the top edge, the framework for the text consisting of birds and butterflies within a floral motif, measuring 418 mm in width x 324 mm in height, rolled, accompanied by a second document, printed in black ink, on a tissue-like white paper stock, measuring 163 mm in width x 243 mm in height, rolled, exhibiting light soiling and creasing.
Ranging from very fine to near extremely fine.
Footnotes:
1. 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.
2. 1904-05 Russo-Japanese War Medal was instituted on March 31, 1906 and awarded for participation in the war between February 8, 1904 and September 5, 1905.