Japan, Empire. A Cased Order of the Golden Kite, V. Class, c.1920

(金凧勲章 / (Kinshi kunsho). Instituted on February 12th, 1890. Of very fine quality manufacture with intricate detailing, constructed of silver, gilded silver, and multi-coloured enamels, the obverse depicting a gilt Kite (bird) superimposed on an eight-pointed star with 32 rays enameled in red, with two crossed ancient shields enameled in blue, two crossed spears with silver heads enameled yellow with a red banner on either side bearing a tomoe, the reverse plain, with four screws for the attachment of the enameled shields onto the award, on a pierced ball and swivel ring for suspension from a period-original ribbon with a Japanese-style hook-and-loop on the reverse, unmarked, measuring 46 mm (w) x 49 mm (l - inclusive of ball suspension), with enamel repair to kite, fine.