Japan, Empire. An Order Of The Sacred Treasure, Vi Class

(Zuiho_sho). Instituted in 1888. Multi-piece construction, silver gilt with white and blue enamels, along with sixteen red glass cabochons, measuring 37.8 mm (w) x 42.7 mm (h) inclusive its laterally-pierced ball suspension, crazing evident in the white enamels on the arms at 6 and 9 o'clock, on its original triangular ribbon with hook and eye, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, the case with a balsa wood frame, black lacquer finish, the lid altered by buffing the surface, thereby deleting the name and class of the order, and replacing them with the hand-painted image of a dragon in the clouds, inside lid and medal bed in violet velvet, small hole appearing on the lid near the dragon's chest and thereby exposing the underlying wood frame, case better than very fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Sacred Treasure is a Japanese order, established on January 4, 1888 by Emperor Meiji as the Order of Meiji. Originally awarded in eight classes (from 8th to 1st, in ascending order of importance), since 2003 it has been awarded in six classes, the lowest two medals being abolished that year. The most widely conferred Japanese order, it is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in research fields, business industries, healthcare, social work, state/local government fields or the improvement of life for handicapped/impaired persons. Originally a male-only decoration, the order has been made available to women since 1919. It is awarded for both civil and military merit, though of a lesser degree than that required for the conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun. Unlike most of its European counterparts, the order may be conferred posthumously.