Japanese Cased Order of the Sacred Treasure 6th Class

The Order of the Sacred Treasure established in January of 1888, 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.

The gold plated silver medal is in the form of a cross, with white enameled rays. To the center of the cross is a raised, silver “mirror” against a dark blue enameled background, encircled by a raised, golden ring and beading along its inside. Immediately beyond the ring are red paste jewels. 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 is stamped to the center with 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. Watered silk ribbon, in light grey (establishing it as an older award as later examples are in light blue) with a orange stripe from either edge. The ribbon is folded in a triangular fashion. A smaller rosette is also included, which follows the same form as that to the ribbon.

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. 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 shows minor signs of age and use. 

Beautiful set which will be Close to impossible to upgrade!!