Korea, Empire. An Order Of The Eight Trigrams, Vi Class, C.1915

(兌 Duì). Instituted 1901. A VI Class decoration in silver, presenting six blue enamelled arms with white enamel borders, the center medallion features three red enamelled lines, the top and bottom of which are separated in the middle, the reverse is plain with a kanji inscription in the center, measures 50.55 mm (w) x 56.87 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball suspension), weighs 21.1 grams, enamels intact, notable contact marks to obverse, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This Order was established on the 6th Anniversary of Korean Independence. The symbolism used is the Chinese Ba Gua, based on Taoist cosmology. Each Class is represented by a particular object and figure. The VI Class is the moon and peril/challenge. This order was awarded until 1910, when Korea was annexed by Japan.