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? OSAKA MINT
Order of the Precious Crown (Japan), First Class. Queen Mary's star
c. 1905Gold, enamel, pearls | 6.6 x 6.6 cm (whole object) | RCIN 441069
The Order of the Precious Crown is the highest Japanese honour for women. At the turn of the twentieth century, it was awarded to numerous female members of the British royal family to strengthen ties between the two nations. The badge incorporates a gold crown topped by a bird of paradise, as worn by ancient empresses.
