Japan, Empire. An Order of the Rising Sun, II Class, in Case

(旭日章 Kyokujitsu-shō). Instituted in 1875 by Emperor Meiji. Early Meiji Period. A II Class set of the Order of the Rising Sun, comprising of a silver neck badge, consisting of an enamelled white gilt-framed symbol of the rising sun in silver gilt, featuring a typical central red glass cabochon, reverse with mirrored design, suspended by an enamelled green and violet emblem of the Palownia Flowers, with reverse inscription “Order of Merit” in gilded Japanese lettering, measures 54.62 mm (w) x 86.65 mm (h - inclusive of suspension and integral ring), weighs 68.4 grams, worn on a full length neck ribbon of silk, enamels completely intact, light gilt war, a rare decoration in better than extremely fine condition. The II Class star of the Order, consisting of an eight-pointed silver star, with arms composed by clusters of three pebbled rays with polished frame, the obverse exhibiting an enamelled white gilt-framed symbol of the rising sun, featuring a typical central red glass cabochon, the reverse features a vertical pin flanked by dual stays, four rivets surrounding the central inscription to secure the medallion to the obverse, each longest tip has been reinforced on the reverse, measures 91.31 mm (w) x 91.69 mm (h), weighs 108.6, light staining to obverse silver rays, enamels intact, hinge and catch functional, in extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by a lapel button denoting II Class via the rosette and silver and golden underlaid silk, in extremely fine condition.

Contained in the original case of issue, of wood and black lacquer, the exterior presents a Japanese inscription, the interior lid is of dark purple silk, with the base offering a dark purple removable recessed medalbeds in two sections, with a storage compartment under the neck badge for the ribbon, measures 120 mm (w) x 235 mm (l) x 47 mm (d), the exterior lid has a modern photo of the II Class neck badge adhered to it, light scuffs and residue throughout, hinge and catch functional, in very fine condition.