Japan, Empire. An Order of the Golden Kite, III Class, Cased

(Kinshi kunsho). Instituted in 1890. Three-piece construction, in silver with red, white, light blue and dark blue enamels, measuring 54.7 mm in width x 58 mm in height inclusive its integral ring suspension, exhibiting chipping and loss in addition to a flaw in the dark blue enamels below the red banner on the left side, on its original ribbon neck ribbon with clasp, fine. Accompanied by its Rosette, measuring 12.3 mm in diameter, with a button hole attachment, in their hardshelled case of issue, balsa wood frame, the exterior with a black lacquer finish, gilt characters on the lid, inside lid lined in violet satin, padded and exhibiting the impression of the award, base in violet satin, with a platform incorporating a recessed medal bed in violet felt, measuring 75.3 mm in width x 116 mm in height x 34.5 mm in depth, exhibiting chipping, scuffing and wear on the exterior's black lacquer finish, along with discolouration on the interior satin and felt linings, case near fine. 

 

Footnote: The Order of the Golden Kite was an order of the Empire of Japan, established on February 12, 1890 by Emperor Meiji "in commemoration of Jimmu Tennō, the Romulus of Japan." It was an exclusively military award, conferred for bravery, leadership or command in battle. The order consisted of seven classes. Enlisted rank soldiers were eligible for the 7th to 5th classes, non-commissioned officers were eligible for the 6th to 4th classes, junior officers for the 5th to 3rd classes, field grade officers for the 4th to 2nd classes and general officers for the 3rd to 1st classes. It was officially abolished by the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers of Occupied Japan in 1947 after the Second World War.