Korea, Empire. The Only Known Order of the Auspicious Phoenix Sash and Case

(Sobong-Jang). Of the utmost rarity, the Order of the Auspicious Pheonix was a female only order in eight classes, however there are no known examples of the decorations. The Sash in watered silk, is an orchid pink with an 8 mm strip of white 9 mm from each edge, measuring 80 mm in width by 860 mm in length (folded in half), presenting a rosette in the shape of the plum flower, lightly creased, remains in extremely fine condition.

The case is in dark purple cloth and velvet, the interior features yellow silk lid and sash compartment, two wine coloured velvet boards with recessed medalbeds illustrate the general shape of the awards, the case measures 115 mm (w) x 228 mm (l) x 70 mm (d), the clasp on the exterior features a lotus flower on the lid with base presenting three leaves, the velvet has been almost entirely removed from the lid, some remaining on the base, hinge functional, catch does not lock, some loose threads from yellow silk inside case. The only known case in existence for an extremely rare order, in very fine condition.

Both the case and sash are held within a wooden box with modern photos of the decoration on the exterior, stamp on the side, measuring 42 mm (w) x 267 mm (l) x 85 mm (d), in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This order was thought to be a woman’s order equivalent to the Japanese Order of the Sacred Crown.