Japan, Empire. Three Order of the Rising Sun Award Documents
(Kyokujitsu_sho / 旭日小綬章). Instituted in 1875.
Includes:
1. 5th Class Award Document, 1970: printed in black, red, green, violet, silver and gold inks, on a thick off-white paper stock, dated 1970, illustrating the Imperial Seal of Japan in the centre along the top edge, the Order of the Rising Sun 5th 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 the Order of the Rising Sun award interlaced with flowers, the reverse initialled in pencil at the upper left, measuring 592 mm in width x 418 mm in height, rolled, exhibiting scattered spotting on the obverse.
2. 7th Class Award Document, 1940: printed in black, red, green, violet and silver inks, on a thick off-white paper stock, dated 1940, illustrating the Imperial Seal of Japan in the centre along the top edge, the Order of the Rising Sun 7th 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 the Order of the Rising Sun award interlaced with flowers, measuring 595 mm in width x 450 mm in height, rolled, exhibiting creases along with edge wear, in addition to a large vertical crease with a small hole at its base near the left edge, the reverse with light soiling.
3. 8th Class Award Document, 1920, Boxed: printed in black and red inks, on a thick off-white paper stock, faded to a sepia-toned look, dated 1920, illustrating the Imperial Seal of Japan in the centre along the top edge, the Order of the Rising Sun 8th Class award in the centre along the bottom edge, both of which are framed within a floral wreath, the framework for the text designed with repeating alternating images of the Imperial Seal and the Order of the Rising Sun award interlaced with flowers, measuring 588 mm in width x 452 mm in height, rolled, exhibiting creases along with edge wear, the reverse with light soiling, in its balsa wood box of issue with sliding lid, dark brown finished exterior, the box measuring 168 mm in length x 45 mm in width x 43 mm in height, exhibiting light wear and soiling on the exterior.
Ranging from fine to near extremely fine.
Footnote: The Order of the Rising Sun is a Japanese order, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji of Japan. The Order was the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese government, created on April 10, 1875 by decree of the Council of State. The badge features rays of sunlight from the rising sun. The design of the Rising Sun symbolizes energy as powerful as the rising sun in parallel with the "rising sun" concept of Japan ("Land of the Rising Sun"). The order is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in the following fields: international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment. Prior to the end of the Second World War, it was also awarded for exemplary military service. Beginning in 2003, the two lowest rankings (7th and 8th classes) for the Order of the Rising Sun were abolished, with the highest degree becoming a separate order known as the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, with the single rank of Grand Cordon. While it is the third highest order bestowed by the Japanese government, it is however generally the highest ordinarily conferred order. The highest Japanese order, the Order of the Chrysanthemum, is reserved for heads of state or royalty, while the second highest order, the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, is mostly reserved for politicians.