Korea, Empire. An Order of the Eight Trigrams, VII Class Badge

(兌 Duì). Instituted April 16, 1901. A VII Class decoration of this rare order in silver, presenting six blue enamelled arms with white enamel borders, the raised center medallion in silver features three red enamelled lines, the bottom two are separated in the middle, the reverse is plain with a Kanji inscription in the center, measures 46.9 mm (w) x 53.0 mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), weighs 21.4 grams, enamels intact, light crazing on the center red lines, residue remains on the medallion near the 6 o’clock arm, dark patina, suspension ring has the ribbon hook attached, a rare decoration in very fine condition. Accompanied by the original triangular ribbon, in red and white watered silk, hook attachment included, lightly frayed and worn, in very fine condition.

The lot includes a lapel button of white and red watered silk, metal reverse, measures 13.9 mm in diameter, edges slightly bent, remains in very fine condition.

The decoration is contained within a fitted wooden box with images of the set adhered to the exterior lid, stamp on the edge, the wooden box, measures 105 mm (w) x 155 mm (l) x 60 mm (d), minor wear 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, where Yin is represented by a continuous line, and Yang is represented by a broken line. Each Class is represented by a particular object and figure. The VII Class is associated with hills or mountains and resting.