Japanese Cased Order of the Sacred Treasure, 6th Class

The Order of the Sacred Treasure, established in January of 1888 and was awarded to either military or civilian personnel for long and distinguished service. It came in eight classes of which only the lowest two could be given to enlisted personnel.

This silver medal is roughly in the form of a cross with each arm comprised of five, white enameled rays. To the center of the cross is a raised, silver “mirror” against a dark blue enameled background, encircled by a golden ring. Immediately beyond the ring are eight red paste jewels with eight slightly smaller red stones between each of them, all connected by red lines, forming a stylized necklace. These are the “sacred treasures” from which the award takes its name: the “Yata” mirror, representing purity and wisdom, and the “Yasakani” jewels, which represent benevolence, obedience and affection. To the reverse a small rivet is to each arm and stamped to the center are the four kanji characters for “Order of Merit Decoration”. A perforated ball is to the top of the uppermost arm of the cross, through which passes the ribbon’s suspension ring. The ribbon is folded in a triangular fashion and it has an alloy hook is to its top which folds down and mates with an alloy eye sewn near the base of its reverse. The medal and ribbon are nested into corresponding depressions to the purple silk covered interior base of its original presentation case whose interior lid is also lined in padded purple silk and purple silk covers the interior hinge. The black lacquered wooden case has a column of gold painted kanji characters to its cover, the second down being that for the number “6”. A hinged alloy closure device and corresponding stud is to its forward edge, and a wide alloy hinge is along its rear edge. Both medal and case is in very good condition.

Very nice exampel!!