Japan, Manchukuo. An Order of the Auspicious Clouds, II Class Set in Case

(Ta Hsan Wei Lan Hua Chang). Instituted on March 1 1934 by Emperor Kang Teh of Machuria. A beautiful and rare set of the Order of the Auspicious Clouds, presenting a neck badge in silver gilt, a four point star with clusters of three rays, the central enamelled in white with each flanking ray in yellow, between each cluster of rays sits a blue enamelled cloud and the space below enamelled in black, the obverse medallion with a central yellow field encircled by a red ring, the badge is suspended by an Imperial orchid crest with the petals enamelled yellow, the reverse of the badge is plain with one central rivet, and the reverse of the suspension presents characters translating to “Order of Merit Decoration”, measures 62.20 mm (w) x 95.35 mm (h- inclusive of suspension), weighs 56.3 grams (including ribbon), worn on full length original neck ribbon with metal clasp, the badge shows very minor enamel wear on the tip of the white 12 o’clock ray, otherwise the enamels and badge are in better than extremely fine condition.

The Star of the Set, in silver, an eight point star with clusters of faceted rays, with the enamelled insignia in the center representing a four point star with clusters of three rays, the central enamelled in white with each flanking ray in yellow, between each cluster of rays sits a blue enamelled cloud and the space below enamelled in black, the obverse medallion with a central yellow field encircled by a red ring, the reverse presents four rivets and central engraved characters translating to “Order of Merit Decoration”, offering a vertical pin and dual stay assembly, the star measures 90.45 mm (w) x 90.10 mm (h), weighs 75.4 grams, enamels intact, central yellow medallion slightly loose, catch and hinge functional, remains in extremely fine condition.

The set is contained in its original case of issue, a black lacquered exterior with the lid marked with characters and a orchid blossom, the interior with a purple silk lid and recessed purple velvet medal bed, the top half presents a storage compartment for the neck ribbon, measures 118 mm (w) x 235 mm (l) x 45 mm (d), light wear to exterior and interior, hinge and clasp functional, a lovely case in near extremely fine condition.

The decorations are held in a fitted wooden box with images of the set adhered to the exterior lid, stamp on the edge, the wooden box measures 145 mm (w) x 270 mm (l) x 65 mm (d), minor wear in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This order is also known as the Order of the Prosperous Cloud. The badge displays the five colours of the national flag and therefore the five races.