Japan, Empire. A Supreme Order Of The Chrysanthemum, Grand Cordon, C.1900

(大勲位菊花章 Dai-kun'i kikka-shō). Instituted 1876 by Emperor Meiji of Japan. eMedals is pleased to offer Japan's highest order, one of only fifty Grand Cordon sets awarded since its institution. With sash badge in silver gilt consisting of beautiful enameled white four-armed rayed Cross with a yellow and green enameled Imperial Family Emblem of the Chrysanthemum flower in each quadrant, with exquisite central red glass cabochon, double-sided, suspended by an enameled yellow flower of Chrysanthemum in silver gilt with reverse featuring Japanese characters, measuring 78.18 mm (w) x 108.73 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring suspension), with fine original silk sash, with light hairline cracks to white rays, near very fine.

Accompanied by the star of the order, consisting of a large silver four armed multiple ray cross, with yellow and green enameled Chrysanthemums in each quadrant, superposed by an enameled white symbol of the Rising Sun, with central medallion consisting of a beautiful red glass cabochon, measuring 85.65 mm (w) x 89.61 mm (h), reverse with flat pin assembly and Japanese characters, with hairline cracks and enamel loss to rays, with ray tips pushed inwards from wear, good/fine.

Footnote: The Supreme Orders of the Chrysanthemum is the most prestigious award in Japan. It is rarely conferred to anyone outside of the Royal Family and Heads of State. It can only be awarded to men, and it can be conferred posthumously. The Grand Cordon of the Order was established in 1876 by Emperor Meiji of Japan; the collar of the Order was added on January 4, 1888. Only 50 Grand Cordon sets have been awarded 

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.