Japan, Empire. An Order Of The Sacred Treasure (瑞宝章 Zuihōsho), Breast Star

Silver-gilt and white and blue enamel breast star with eight sets of five graduated silver-gilt-edged pointed white enamel rays, the outer rays longest, the inner ray shortest, each of the eight sets being separated by a shorter silver-gilt-edged blue enamel ray with bifurcated end; the face with a silver-gilt-edged white enamel star imposed centrally and bearing a circular medallion of blue enamel within a gilt beaded circle bearing a stylised hexadecagonal (16-sided) mirror, the star having superimposed on its outer edge a geometric red paste necklace of sixteen jewels linked by a red enamel line; the reverse plain with hinged pin for wear bearing a star mark; diameter 94mm (3.7 inches); loss of a small central section of white enamel from two of the rays upper left and of red enamel from the line at the edge of the star.

The Order was founded by Imperial edict on 4 January 1888 in eight classes to be awarded for distinguished service.

The insignia incorporate representations of the sacred Yata Mirror and the Yasakani Jewels and the sword of the Emperor. 

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.