Japan, Empire. An Order of the Golden Kite, II Class Set, in Case, c.1900

(金鵄章). Instituted February 12, 1890. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912). A lovely II Class set of the Order of the Golden Kite, comprising a badge in silver gilt, an eight point red enamelled star with multiple smooth rays, superimposed on the obverse sits a blue enamelled golden kite with yellow enamelled crossed swords with silver hilts atop the arms and a red flag at 3 and 9 o’clock presenting heraldic ‘mitsutomoe’ devices and a silver, green, purple and blue enamelled feature superimposed on the kite, surmounted by a silver gilt eagle with outspread wings, the reverse is plain with four rivets, measures 55.27 mm (w) x 58.76 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring), weighs 55.3 grams (including ribbon), worn on original neck ribbon with a pinch wedge clasp at the back, enamel cracks and crazing in multiple red enamel arms, light gilt wear, ribbon shows discolouration and wear, remains in very fine condition. The II Class Star, in silver, an eight point star of alternating clusters of three yellow enamelled rays with silver borders and five red enamelled rays with silver gilt borders, superimposed on the obverse sits a blue enamelled golden kite with yellow enamelled crossed swords with silver hilts atop the arms and a red flag at 3 and 9 o’clock and a silver, green, purple and blue enamelled feature superimposed on the kite, surmounted by a silver eagle with outspread wings, the reverse presents a single pin assembly with dual stays, and four large rivets, measures 91.98 mm (w) x 91.88 mm (h), weighs 130.3 grams, stays slightly bent, eagle and central feature slightly loose, minor enamel crazing in a few of the yellow rays, otherwise remains in extremely fine condition.

Contained in its original case of issue, constructed of wood with a black lacquer, the exterior features a pawlonia flower with a Japanese inscription in gilt, the interior features a purple silk lid and a worn purple recessed medalbed which partially lifts allowing access to the storage compartment for the neck ribbon, measures 115 mm (w) x 205 mm (h) x 40 mm (d), wear to velvet and interior materials, small knocks to exterior, hinge and clasp functional, a case in very fine condition.

The case and set are held within a wooden box with contemporary photos of the set adhered to the lid, stamped on the side, light contact, remains in very fine condition.