China, Occupied Manchukuo. An Order Of The Auspicious Clouds, Vi Class , C.1935

(Ta Hsan Wei Lan Hua Chang). Instituted in 1934. Produced by the Japanese Mint. In silver with blue, white and yellow enamels, along with a red glass circular centerpiece ring, measuring 48.3 mm (w) x 76.2 mm (h) inclusive of its Imperial orchid suspension, crazing evident in the red glass on the centrepiece ring, 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, gilt characters on the lid, the inside of the lid lined in purple satin and padded, raised platform with a recessed purple velvet medal bed, light scuffing on the exterior, 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