Japan, Manchukuo. An Order of the Pillars of State, I Class Grand Cordon Set in Case

(国家支柱勋章 / Guójiā zhīzhù xūnzhāng / 柱国章). Instituted September 14 1936. A rare and near mint Grand Cordon of the Order of the Pillars of State, comprising a sash badge, in silver gilt, featuring a four armed cross with four blocks on each tip, the base of the arms in red enamels, the space in each quadrant offers a silver gilt ray with a pearl at the tip, two other rays are present on each edge and feature a pearl on each side, all pearls are held with by three small claws, the obverse medallion sits a yellow enamelled octagonal pillar bordered by concentric bands of the other national colours including black, white, blue and red, with an outer ring of white with silver gilt dots, the reverse of the badge is plain with the engraved characters translating to “Order of Merit Decoration”, the badge measures 62.87mm (w) x 69.15mm (h – inclusive of suspension), weighs 98.3 grams, enamels intact, light wear of the gilt, a beautiful decoration in near mint condition. Accompanied by a full length red and yellow watered silk sash with central rosette and clasp for badge attachment, in near mint condition.

The Star of the Order, an eight point star with alternating clusters of seven of silver and five silver gilt smooth rays, the central medallion matches the insignia of the badge, portraying four red enamelled pillars with four blocks at each tip, with a main silver gilt ray with a pear at the tip in each quadrant with two flanking smooth rays and a central pearl in each, the obverse center features a yellow enamelled octagonal pillar bordered by concentric bands of the other national colours including black, white, blue and red, with an outer ring of white with silver gilt dots, the reverse presents the central engraved “Order of Merit Decoration” characters, with four rivets, and a vertical pin with dual stays assembly, the star measures 81.45mm (w) x 81.05 mm (h), weighs 113.3 grams, enamels intact, minor oxidation to rays, remains in near mint condition.

Contained in its original black lacquer case, gilded characters on the exterior, with a purple silk lid and purple velvet recessed medal bed with storage component for sash below, measures 135 mm (w) x 255 mm (l) x 77 mm (d), hinge and clasp functional, minor wear, remains in near mint condition. Accompanied by the original paper packaging and cardboard box with characters on both, a rare addition to an overall near mint Grand Cordon Set.

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 175 mm (w) x 305 mm (l) x 100 mm (d), minor wear in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The design of the badge represents “love, sacrifice, perseverance and devotion, the highest principles of the Oriental Morals.”