Japan, Empire. An Order Of The Paulownia Flowers, Grand Cordon, C.1900

(桐花章 Tōka shō). Instituted 1888. An impressive sash badge consisting of four-armed white enameled Ray Cross in silver gilt, with delicate purple enameled Japanese Imperial symbol of the Paulownia Flowers in each quadrant also in silver gilt, obverse centre in silver featuring a beautiful red glass cabochon encircled by a red enameled Imperial symbol of the Rising Sun, double-sided, suspended by a green and purple enameled Imperial Paulownia crest in silver gilt, reverse suspension depicting gilded Japanese characters standing for “Order of Merit Decoration”, measuring 77.09 mm (w) x 113.83 mm (h- inclusive on integral knob suspension), accompanied by a white enameled four-armed rayed cross featuring purple enameled Paulownia Flowers in each quadrant both in silver gilt, obverse centre in silver depicting a red glass cabochon encircled by a red enameled symbol of the Rising Sun, reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, with engraved Japanese characters standing for “Order of Merit Decoration”, measuring 86.77 mm (w) x 86.62 mm (h), toned silver on the badge and breast star, minor cracked white enamels on the breast star arms, accompanied by original silk ribbon, better than very fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Paulownia Flowers was established in 1888 during the Meiji Restoration as the highest award in the Order of the Rising Sun; however, since 2003 it has been an Order in its own right. The only grade of the order is Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers which ranks higher than the Order of the Rising Sun but lower than the Order of the Chrysanthemum. Traditionally, the order has been conferred upon the royal family, eminent statesmen, former prime ministers and senior cabinet ministers, diplomats and judges. 

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.