Japan, Empire. Order of the Rising Sun Utensil Set
Includes six forks and six spoons, each with a two-piece construction, in silver gilt, each with a red and white enamelled Order of the Rising Sun insignia affixed to the end of the handle, maker marked on the reverse of each handle, the forks measuring 15.3 mm in width x 133.5 mm in length each, the spoons measuring 28.5 mm in width x 129.5 mm in length each, each in its factory-sealed, unopened clear plastic packaging, mint. The utensils in their hardshelled case of issue, white textured exterior, inside lid with an insert bearing gold-coloured characters, with two papers placed at the lower right and held in place by a band, the base lined in white nylon and incorporating twelve slotted areas to house the utensils, measuring 365 mm in width x 175 mm in height x 30 mm in depth, some soiling evident on the bottom, the case housed in cardboard sleeve.
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.