China, Manchukuo, Japanese Occupation. An Order of the Auspicious Clouds, VII Class

(Ta Hsan Wei Lan Hua Chang). Instituted in 1934. Produced by the Japanese Mint. In silver gilt, measuring 45.5 mm (w) x 51.7 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced integral suspension, scattered gilt wear, on its original ribbon with hook and eye, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, the case with a balsa wood frame, black lacquer finish, silvered characters on the lid, the inside of the lid lined in purple satin and padded, raised platform with a recessed purple velvet medal bed, very light contact, case also near extremely fine.

Footnote: The "Ching Yun Chang"’ was established together with the higher orders by Imperial Edict of March 1, 1934. Eight classes were established for award to recipients of the 1st through 8th Orders of Merit, and is the exact equivalent of the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun. It is known as Order of the Prosperous Clouds(also known as the Order of the Auspicious Clouds). The number of II Class of the Order produced by the Japanese Mint was 689, between 1934 and 1945.