HISTORY.  The Order of the Rising Sun, established in 1875 as Japan’s first national decoration.  It could be awarded to either military or civilian personnel for meritorious service.  There were eight classes to this order.

The Order of the Rising Sun, is in the form of a “sun” in gold plated silver, upon which are enameled 32 white rays, emanating from a red garnet three-lobed spray of jade green enameled Paulownia leaves.  The leaves are surmounted by three sets of purple enameled and golden outlines Paulownia flowers on green stalks, 5 to the center & 3 to each side.  The watered silk ribbon is white with crimson edges. 
The case is lacquered wood with a purple velvet bottom interior and purple silk under the lid.  MINT.

A19041