China Late Taiwan leader Chiang's Order of Blue Sky and White Sun going on block

[JapanX]

This piece was awarded to General Hu Lian in 1944 (!) for defence of Western Hubei (he commanded 11th Division)

And now another piece from 1943 (it was awarded to fighter pilot)

Completely different work, but the enamel again doesn`t look transparent.

Edited August 27, 2012 by JapanX

[JapanX]

Another "old" piece (looks like it came from the same workshop)

[JapanX]

Another "old" piece, but this time with transparent pattern ;)

[JapanX]

Now "modern" piece (judging by the ribbon and ribbon clasp ) with same transparent pattern :)

[JapanX]

"Old" one (judging by the ribbon and ribbon clasp) without transparent pattern (at least it is not visible on this photo)

[JapanX]

Clear cut "old" one (at least by the ribbon and the white enamel condition) without transparent pattern

[JapanX]

This piece has number 352 on reverse ;)

[JapanX]

Straight from the 70s ;)

[JapanX]

Classic example of very late vintage

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

Now very interesing piece with practically invisible herring-bone pattern (but it is there - right under this blue enamel)

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

Now let`s turn our attention to modification of the order that occured on December 19, 1980 (breast star was added and simple ribbon was replaced by sash).

Check out this breast star ;)

[JapanX]

This pattern looks familiar :whistle:

[JapanX]

And now another breast star with another pattern (let`s call it "concentric circles" )

[JapanX]

Close up

[JapanX]

Comparison

[JapanX]

This damaged breast star allows to examine this "concentric circles" pattern more closely ;)

[JapanX]

Another example of the breast star with "concentric circles" pattern

[JapanX]

Looks like during "old" days (as well as during "modern" ones) there were several manufacturers of these beauties

Regards,

Nick

[JapanX]

A little addendum - list of first 140 cavaliers of this order with dates of awarding (Chiang was the 7th cavalier).

List.doc

[drclaw]

Wow Nick, thanks for the images and the absolutely fascinating list of recipients.

So Chiang did receive #7, which only deepens the mystery of the whole "Special One" award that the photograph depicts him wearing.

[JapanX]

So Chiang did receive #7, which only deepens the mystery of the whole "Special One" award that the photograph depicts him wearing.

I am afraid these numbers could be in disagreement with actual numbers stamped at reverse of the orders

To say nothing of this "special one" inscription ...