Japan, Empire. An Order Of The Golden Kite, I Class Grand Cordon In Case, C.1900

(金鵄章). Instituted February 12, 1890. A rare and beautiful Grand Cordon Set of the Showa period, comprising a badge in silver gilt, an eight point red enamelled star with multiple smooth rays , superimposed on the obverse sits a blue enamelled golden kite with yellow enamelled crossed swords with silver hilts atop the arms and a red flag at 3 and 9 o’clock presenting heraldic ‘mitsutomoe’ devices and a silver, green, purple and blue enamelled feature superimposed on the kite, surmounted by a silver gilt eagle with outspread wings, the reverse is plain with four rivets, 75.14 mm (w) x 79.71 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball suspension), weighs 93.6 grams, multiple chips and crazing throughout arms of the red enamel stars, the 6 and 9 o’clock tips are slightly bent, in very fine condition. The Star of the Order, in silver, an eight point star of alternating clusters of three yellow enamelled rays with silver borders and five red enamelled rays with silver gilt borders, superimposed on the obverse sits a blue enamelled golden kite with yellow enamelled crossed swords with silver hilts atop the arms and a red flag at 3 and 9 o’clock and a silver, green, purple and blue enamelled feature superimposed on the kite, surmounted by a silver eagle with outspread wings, the reverse presents a single pin assembly with dual stays, and four large rivets, measures 91.85 mm (w) x 91.74 mm (h), weighs 130.5 grams, small areas of crazing on several rays, a very rare star which remains in extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by a period original full length sash of the order, in watered silk, in extremely fine condition.

The set is contained in its original case of issue, a balsa wood with black lacquer finish, the lid presents gilt characters, the interior presents a rich blue velvet lid and removable recessed medalbed, with storage compartment for the sash below, measuring 135 mm (w) x 227 mm (l) x 75 mm (d), hinge and clasp functional, very minor scratches, in extremely fine condition.

The set and case are contained in an original wooden box, with a photo of the set adhered on the lid.

This star is published in the O.M.S.A Monograph No. 1: The Japanese Empire, page 15.

Footnote: Order of the Golden Kite (金鵄章) is a military decoration of Japan. The order was established with 7 classes and only awarded to Military men or non-combatant service men. The 1st class was only awarded to high ranking officers who were directly under the command of the emperor. The order was abolished in 1947.