Japan, Monarchy. An Order of the Rising Sun, I Class Grand Cordon, with Award Document to Ex-US Secretary of State Colin L. Powell

A grouping of a cased Japanese Order of the Rising Sun, I Class Set with award document to an American politician and diplomat Colin Powell, consisting of:

An award document for an Order of the Rising Sun I. Class bestowed upon United States Army General Colin Luther Powell on November 15, Heisei 3rd year (1991) by the Emperor of Japan. Signed by Emperor Akhihito, along with his red seal, and with the signature of Prime Minister of Japan, Miyazawa Kiichi, and Chief of Prime Minister’s Office of Wards, Fumita Hisao, measuring 59.1 cm (w) x 42 mm (l).

(旭日章 Kyokujitsu-shō). Instituted in 1875 by Emperor Meiji of Japan (1991 Issue). A Cased two-piece set with boutonniere consisting of:

1. A sash badge, crafted of silver with white enamels in the shape of an eight-pointed star, with clusters of three intermediate rays with cleft endings, the obverse centre exhibiting a beautiful glass cabochon in red colour, the reverse presenting a double-sided design, suspended by a green and violet enamel imperial symbol of the Paulonia flowers, with Japanese lettering on the reverse standing for “Order of Merit Decoration'', measuring  75.8 mm (w) x 115.5 mm (l - inclusive Paulonia flowers suspension), weighing 130.19 grams, accompanied by original full-length sash with bow.

2. A star of the order in silver, an eight-pointed star with arms composed of three rays with cleft endings, the obverse center superposed by a white enameled insignia in silver gilt, with a central red glass cabochon, the reverse with a vertical pinback flanked by dual stays and Japanese lettering standing for “Order of Merit Decoration”, measuring 90.9 mm (w) x 91.0 mm (l), weighing 127.42 grams. 

Accompanied by its boutonniere and case of issue, constructed of glossy bakelite with a metal hinge that holds the lid to the base, the exterior of the lid embossed with Paulonia flowers in gold, with a metal latch and clasp closure, measuring 250 mm (w) x 130 mm (l) x 70 mm (h). 

Footnote: The Order of the Rising Sun was established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji of Japan. The order is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in the following fields: international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment. Prior to the end of the Second World War, it was also awarded for exemplary military service. Beginning in 2003, the two lowest rankings (7th and 8th classes) for the Order of the Rising Sun were abolished, with the highest degree becoming a separate order known as the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, with the single rank of Grand Cordon.

Colin Luther Powell (April 5th 1937 - October 18th, 2021) was an American politician and diplomat, serving as the United States secretary of state from 2001 to 2005. He was the first Black secretary of state and served as the 15th United States national security advisor from 1987 to1989, and the 12th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993.