China, Republic. An Order of the Brilliant Star, II Class Grand Cordon Set, c. 1941

(光辉之星勋章, Guānghuī zhī xīng xūnzhāng). Instituted in 1941. Sash Badge: multi-piece construction, in silver gilt with red, white, light blue, dark blue enamels, with two stars present on top designating it as a Grand Cordon award, number impressed "1331" on the reverse, measuring 73 mm (w) x 77.7 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, intact enamels, on its full-length sash that incorporates a decorative moiré pattern and features a large rosette bearing a large embroidered knot in its centre; and Breast Star: multi-piece construction, in silver gilt with red, white, light blue, dark blue enamels, with two stars present on top designating it as a Grand Cordon award, number impressed "1331" on the reverse, measuring 90.2 mm (w) x 88.5 mm (h), vertical pinback with secure locking release, the white enamels with fine chipping on one large prominent ray and crazing evident on three prominent large rays on the left side, otherwise the enamels are intact. Together, near extremely fine. 

Footnote: The Order of the Brilliant Star was instituted in 1941 in the Republic of China, a sovereign state based on mainland China from 1912 to 1949 prior to the Government of the Republic of China's relocation to Taiwan. It continues to be awarded by the Republic of China (Taiwan) government as a civilian order recognizing outstanding contributions to the development of the nation and can be awarded to both domestic and foreign nationals. The centre of the medal is a five-pointed star in token of virtue, the name "Brilliant Star" coming from the ancient book of Records of the Grand Historian which says "The Brilliant Stars, which differs in appearance from time to time, shine upon the nations of the righteous."