Japan, Empire. An Order of the Chrysanthemum, Grand Cordon, in Case, c. 1900

(大勲位菊花章 Dai-kun'i kikka-shō). Instituted December 25, 1877. An extremely rare Order of the Chrysanthemum Grand Cordon Set, comprising the badge: in silver gilt and enamels, presenting a four point white star of 32 smooth rays with cleft tips, a green enamelled wreath with yellow chrysanthemum flower sits in each quadrant between the rays, the obverse medallion features a beautiful red glass cabochon, the reverse mirrors the obverse, the badge is suspended from a yellow chrysanthemum flower, the reverse of the suspension features the Japanese Characters meaning “Grand Merit Decoration”, measures 76.21 mm (w) x 109.0 mm (h - inclusive of chrysanthemum suspension and integral ball), weighs 93.0 grams, red enamels heavily chipped from the center of the chrysanthemum suspension, otherwise enamels intact and very minimal wear, remains in extremely fine condition. The Star of the Order, in silver gilt consisting of a large silver four armed multiple ray cross, with green enamelled wreaths and yellow Chrysanthemums in each quadrant, superposed by an enamelled white symbol of the Rising Sun, with central medallion consisting of a beautiful red glass cabochon, the reverse presents a single vertical pin flanked by dual stays, four characters on the reverse center meaning “Grand Merit Decoration” surrounded by four rivets affixing the central medallion to the obverse, the four longest ray’s tips have been reinforced on the reverse, measuring 90.82 mm (w) x 91.14 mm (h), weighs 145.9 grams, light enamel wear to the red within the chrysanthemum’s center, otherwise enamels intact, minimal wear, hinge and catch functional, a superbly rare star and set in extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by a full length watered silk sash with large rosette, along with a lapel button featuring a rosette ribbon with a yellow ribbon base denoting Grand Cordon class.

Contain in the original case of issue, constructed of wood and black lacquer, the exterior featuring a large gilt chrysanthemum with Japanese characters, the interior presents a dark purple velvet lid and partially removable recessed medalbed, a storage compartment below for the sash, the case measures 135 mm (w) x 250 mm (l) x 78 mm (d), small crack to front right corner, gilt wear on lid, evident contact marks, hinge and catch functional, in very fine condition.

The set and case are held within a wood box with contemporary images of the set adhered to the lid and side, the box measures 158 mm (w) x 288 mm (l) x 88 mm (d), minimal wear, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Supreme Orders of the Chrysanthemum is the most prestigious award in Japan. It is rarely conferred to anyone outside of the Royal Family and Heads of State. It can only be awarded to men, and it can be conferred posthumously. In 1939, only 14 Japanese recipients wore the Grand Cordon. As of July 1958, there were 78 natives and 135 foreign recipients of this class.