China, Qing Dynasty. An Imperial Order of the Double Dragon, V Class, c.1900

Shuang Lung Pao Hsing. Instituted in 1882. Type II (1900-1912) . Insignia in silver with light blue enamels, bearing an amethyst stone placed within a silver setting in the centre, along with a red enamelled bead placed in the 12 o'clock position, mounted to an eight-pointed star base, each of the star points with multiple emanating rays, unusual size, probably of German manufacture, measuring 40 mm (w) x 43.8 mm (h) inclusive of its integral loop suspension, intact enamels, original triangular ribbon with hook and eye, very light contact, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Imperial Order of the Double Dragon was an order awarded in the late Qing dynasty. The Order was founded by the Guangxu Emperor on February 7, 1882, as an award for outstanding services to the throne and the Qing court. Originally it was awarded only to foreigners but was extended to Chinese subjects from 1908. It was the first Western-style Chinese order, established in the wake of the Second Opium War, as part of efforts to engage with the West and adopt Western-style diplomatic practices. Traditionally the Chinese court did not have an honours system in the Western sense, however, hat buttons, rank badges, feathers and plumes were routinely awarded by the Emperor, to subjects and foreigners alike, prior to and after the introduction of the Order of the Double Dragon. The order was replaced in 1911 during the last days of the Qing dynasty by the Grand Order of the Throne, although this replacement was never fully implemented and the Republic of China discontinued the imperial orders after its establishment in 1912.