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Order of the Precious Crown (Japan), First Class. Queen Mary's badge and sash 1905

Gold, enamels, pearls, silk | 8.5 × 5.0 cm (badge); 135.0 × 8.0 cm (sash) (whole object) | RCIN 441068

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  • The centre of the badge bears a representation of a filigree crown topped with a bird of paradise, as worn by ancient empresses, encircled by pearls, designs of bamboo shoots, and cherry blossoms and leaves suspended from the ribbon by a wreath of paulownia flowers. The star of the same order (RCIN 441069) is decorated with rays set with pearls and, at its centre, a bird of paradise.

    Shortly after his restoration to power, the Emperor Meiji established a series of honours and decorations as part of Japan’s adoption and adaptation of the courtly traditions of Europe. Much along the French, Prussian and Russian models, these awards comprised different grades and rules for appointment. The first to be instituted was the Order of the Rising Sun in 1875. The Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum – Japan’s highest decoration – followed in 1876. Originally, the insignia of this Order comprised only the Grand Cordon (badge and star with sash), but a collar and collar badge were added as an additional, higher honour in 1888. In the same year, three other orders were instituted: the Orders of the Paulownia Flowers, the Sacred Treasure and the Precious Crown.

    The Order of the Precious Crown, instituted as a decoration for women, was first received by a member of the British royal family when it was presented to the Louise Margaret, Duchess of Connaught in Japan in 1890. Arthur, Duke of Connaught recorded in their joint diary, 'the Prince [Komatsu] handed her the Order of the Imperial Crown [sic] (the Chief Ladies order of Japan) … The presentation of this order was quite unexpected & gave us great pleasure. Except the Empress of Russia no other foreign princess has this order. It was very appropriate as L.Sn. [Louise] was the first Princess of any Royal House that has visited Japan.'

    After the honour was bestowed on Queen Alexandra in 1902, the Princess of Wales (later Queen Mary) was appointed to the Order on 28 March 1905. This insignia was probably presented in June that year during the visit of Prince and Princess Arisugawa. Subsequent appointments to the Order before 1940 included Princess Arthur of Connaught (1891–1959) in 1918, Princess Mary (1897–1965) in 1921 and Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) in 1937.

    Text adapted from Japan: Courts and Culture (2020)
    Provenance

    Presented to Queen Mary when Princess of Wales by Prince and Princess Arisugawa, June 1905

  • Medium and techniques

    Gold, enamels, pearls, silk

    Measurements

    8.5 × 5.0 cm (badge); 135.0 × 8.0 cm (sash) (whole object)


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