Japan, Empire. A Cased Order of the Rising Sun, II. Class Commander, c. 1955

(Kyokujitsu-shō). Instituted October 4th, 1875. (c. 1955 issue). Constructed of silver and gilded silver with white enamels in the shape of an eight-pointed star with cleft endings, with clusters of three intermediate rays, the obverse centre exhibiting a beautiful glass cabochon in red colour, the reverse presenting a double-sided design, suspended by a green and violet enamel imperial symbol of the Paulownia flowers, with Japanese lettering on the reverse standing for “Order of Merit Decoration'', with its period original neck ribbon featuring a clasp for secure closing, measuring 56.3 mm (w) x 86.1 mm (l), weighing 69.08 grams.

Accompanied by its presentation case, constructed of a wooden core and black bakelite with a lacquered finish, the exterior of the lid is decorated with Japanese Paulownia flowers in gilt, the base with a purple felt medal bed for secure seating of the award, with two red external interwoven ropes with fringes at the ends fastened to both sides of the case, measuring 95 mm (w) x 131 mm (l).

A phenomenal example in extremely fine condition.