Japan, Empire. A Rare Meiji Period Order of the Rising Sun, Grand Cordon, by Hirata, in Case and Box, c.1890

(旭日章). Instituted April 10, 1875 by the Japanese Government. Meiji Period (1868-1912). An early Grand Cordon Set, comprising a sash badge, presenting a large silver gilt eight point star with smooth white enamelled rays with cleft ends, the center medallion presents a beautiful red glass cabochon, reverse mirrors the obverse, suspended from a green and purple enamelled imperial pawlonia flower, reverse of the green enamel leaf on suspension presents an inscription meaning “Order of Merit Decoration”, measures 76.3 mm (w) x 111.32 mm (h - inclusive of pawlonia flower suspension and integral ball), weighs 89.5 grams, marked with a swan punch mark on the ring denoting silver manufacture, imported from countries without a trading contact to France since 1893, a thin decoration with slightly yellowed and sunken rays and wider grooves between rays denoting early manufacture by Hirata, minimal wear, in extremely fine condition. The Star of the Set, in silver, an eight point star of three smooth rays and cleft ends with interior pebbled fields, the obverse medallion depicts a white enamelled eight point star in silver gilt with smooth white enamel rays and a large red glass cabochon in the center, the reverse features a vertical pin flanked by dual stays, the reverse center presents an inscription meaning “Order of Merit Decoration” surrounded by four rivets, the longest ray in each cluster has been reinforced on the reverse, measuring 88.3 mm (w) x 90.3 mm (h), weighs 64.7 grams, notable nock to white rays at 5 o’clock, pin bent however, remains in extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by a period, full length sash of watered silk with crimson edges and rosette.

The set is contained in the original case of issue, of balsam wood and black lacquer with gilt characters on the lid, the interior features a blue velvet lid, with storage compartment in base for sash, the case measures 135 mm (w) x250 mm (l) x 75 mm (d), a small velvet medalbed for the star has been included, however the original medalbed is not included, hinge and clasp functional, large crack along the bottom and base of the case, remains in near very fine condition.

The case is held within a wooden box with a contemporary photo adhered to the lid, measures 155 mm (w) x 287 mm (l) x 86 mm (d), in very fine condition.

Footnote: Order of the Rising sun is the first order officially established by the Japanese government in Meiji restoration. The Grand Cordon (1st class) of the order can be award to generals or high rank civil officers (勅任官) with excellence contributions.