Japan, Empire. An Order of the Sacred Treasure, VI Class, Cased with Award Document 1944

(瑞宝章, Zuihōshō). Instituted in 1888. Multi-piece construction, in silver with white and blue enamels, along with sixteen red glass cabochons, measuring 44 mm (w) x 49.5 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, chipping and crazing evident in the red glass cabochons in multiple locations, the blue and white enamels intact, on its original triangular ribbon with hook and eye, near fine. Includes two Rosettes, one is circular and measuring 12.3 mm in diameter, the other designed with a folded ribbon fabric and measuring 13 mm in diameter, both 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 with a platform incorporating a recessed medal bed in violet satin, measuring 62.5 mm in width x 98.5 mm in height x 22 mm in depth, exhibiting light contact and scuffing on the exterior, case very fine. Accompanied by its Award Document, printed in black, red, yellow, dark blue, light blue and and silver inks, with a large imprinted insignia in red ink in the centre, on a thick off-white paper stock, faded to a sepia-toned look, dated 1944, illustrating the Imperial Seal of Japan in the centre along the top edge, the Order of the Sacred Treasure 6th Class award in the centre along the bottom edge in colour, both of which are framed within a floral wreath, the framework for the text designed with repeating alternating images of the Imperial Seal and Paulownia flowers in a 5-7-5 configuration and are interlaced with flowers, inscribed in handwritten black ink "3566" at the lower right, measuring 510 mm in width x 362 mm in height, rolled, exhibiting three holes at the upper left, soiling on the reverse, along with creasing and light soiling overall, document fair. 

 

Footnote: The Order of the Sacred Treasure is a Japanese order, established on January 4, 1888 by Emperor Meiji as the Order of Meiji. Originally awarded in eight classes (from 8th to 1st, in ascending order of importance), since 2003 it has been awarded in six classes, the lowest two medals being abolished that year. The most widely conferred Japanese order, it is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in research fields, business industries, healthcare, social work, state/local government fields or the improvement of life for handicapped/impaired persons. Originally a male-only decoration, the order has been made available to women since 1919. It is awarded for both civil and military merit, though of a lesser degree than that required for the conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun. Unlike most of its European counterparts, the order may be conferred posthumously.