Japanese Awards - Order of the Sacred Treasure

[Gordon Williamson]

Introduced 4 January 1888. Comes in eight grades. This is the lowest, 8th Grade. I weill add the higher grades as I obtain them.

Edited May 12, 2005 by Gordon Williamson

[Gordon Williamson]

Awarded for both civil and military merit. The obverse design shows in the centre the legendary Yata Mirror, symbolising purity. Apparently so sacred, that even the emperor was not permitted to look into it. The circular discs represent the Yasakani jewels, which legend has it the Gods hung on the trees to entice the sun godess out of hiding and bring light to the world.

[Gordon Williamson]

The reverse is plain with the inscription "Order of Merit Decoration"

Despite looking brand new, this is an original 1930s piece, the period during which the tiny "M" mark of the Osaka Mint was applied on the lower arm

Edited May 12, 2005 by Gordon Williamson

[Guest Rick Research]

I've always wondered why an AUSTRIAN style trifold ribbon was chosen for this Order, making it rather odd looking in Japanese mounted groups.

[Gordon Williamson]

Rick,

You are right. As the only Japanese award with an Austrian style triangular ribbon, it looks totally out of synch with all the others. They were influenced by many other countries. The medals here have ribbon suspensions which are very "British" in style. The ribbon rosettes they used are said to have been French influence.

[Gordon Williamson]

Here is the 7th Grade.

[Gordon Williamson]

Close up obverse. Gilded finish except for silver mirror in centre.

[Gordon Williamson]

Reverse. Design identical to 8th Class

[Guest John Harman]

Here is an example of the 6th class:

[Gordon Williamson]

Very nice John. Glad to see someone else likes these. I have a 6th Class on its way to me now. Pity that prices jump quite a bit when you get to the top grades !

[Gordon Williamson]

My 6th Class. Interesting that the Kanji on the box lid are slightly different to John's. You can see that they are basically the same but executed in a slightly different style

[Gordon Williamson]

Close up Obverse

[Gordon Williamson]

Reverse showing rivetted construction

[Peter J]

Here's my 3rd class with short ribbon. This is also marked with what at first appears to be a letter m. It's actually a Japanese sign.

KR

Peter

[Peter J]

reverse

[Gordon Williamson]

Thanks for sharing Peter. Very , very nice indeed.

[Gordon Williamson]

Fifth Class. Identical basic design to the Sixth, but larger at 46mm. Note the metal parts are gilded except for the outer rays to each arm which are silver

[Gordon Williamson]

Close up of Obverse

[Gordon Williamson]

Reverse

[Gordon Williamson]

Fourth Class. Same size as the Fifth, but all gilded (apart from the central mirror of couse which is always silver) This grade also has the rosette on the ribbon

[Gordon Williamson]

Close up of Obverse. The gilding is very pale and looks washed out by the glare of the scanner light.

[Gordon Williamson]

Reverse. Gilt finish more obvious here.

[Gordon Williamson]

Sacred Treasure 3rd Class Obverse

[Gordon Williamson]

Reverse

[Peter J]

Gordon, I see that you found a 3rd class . One small observation,

when looking at the obverse on both your's and mine, they appear to be

in silver, obviously due to the scanning. The reverse on mine shows the same

pale gilding you refer to on the 4th class, whereas your reverse on your's seems to be silver. Both the reverse and obverse on mine are actually gilded and I take it

your's is as well. I'm making this remark in order to avoid any doubts amongst new collectors about the gilding on 3rd class

KR

Peter

Reverse

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