Order of the Chrysanthemum

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Breast Star of the Order of the Chrysanthemum
The Breast Star of the Order of the Chrysanthemum

The Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (大勲位菊花章 daikun'i kikkashō, literally Grand Order of the Badge of the Chrysanthemums) is Japan's highest order. The Grand Cordon of the Order was established in 1876 by Emperor Meiji of Japan; the collar of the Order was added on January 4, 1888. Although technically the order has only one class, it can either be awarded with collar (or chain), or with grand cordon (or sash). Unlike its European counterparts, the order may be conferred posthumously.

The collar of the order is awarded only posthumously, except for the reigning emperor, who automatically holds the rank. Exceptions are made for foreign heads of state, who can be awarded the collar as a sign of friendship.

The grand cordon is the highest possible honor a Japanese citizen could be awarded during his lifetime. Aside from the imperial household, only three grand cordons have been awarded to living citizens and eleven to the deceased.

The badge of the order is a four-pointed gilt badge with white enameled rays; the center bears a red enameled sun disc. On each of the four corners of the badge there is a yellow-enameled chrysanthemum blossom with green enameled chrysanthemum leaves. The badge is suspended on a yellow-enameled chrysanthemum, either on the collar or on the grand cordon.

The star of the order is similar to the badge, but in silver, without the chrysanthemum suspension, and with an eight-pointed gilt medallion (with white enameled rays and red enameled sun disc) placed at the center. It is worn on the left chest.

The grand cordon of the order is red with dark blue border stripes. It is worn on the right shoulder.

Contents

[edit] Selected recipients

This is an incomplete list, which may never be able to satisfy certain standards for completeness.
Revisions and sourced additions are welcome.

[edit] Collar

[edit] Grand Cordon (Imperial family)

[edit] Grand Cordon

[edit] Collar (deceased)

[edit] Grand Cordon (deceased)

[edit] References

  1. ^ Hamilton, Alan. "Palace small talk problem solved: royal guest is a goby fish fanatic," The Times (London). May 30, 2007]
  2. ^ "The Falling Curtain," Time Magazine, December 8, 1958]
  3. ^ Order awarded 5 Oct. 1971:Regiments: British, Empire, Commonwealth
  4. ^ Order awarded 5 Oct. 1971:Regiments: British, Empire, Commonwealth
  5. ^ ViewImages.com
  6. ^ http://www.estonia.com.au/pics/er_21.pdf
  7. ^ President of the Republic of Lithuania - Biography
  8. ^ Polish presidential web page
  9. ^ Danish Crown Prince website
  10. ^ Jewelry
  11. ^ Honor awarded 1930 -- "Japan to Decorate King Alfonso Today; Emperor's Brother Nears Madrid With Collar of the Chrysanthemum for Spanish King." New York Times, November 3, 1930.
  12. ^ Honor awarded 1954 -- Weisman, Stephen. "Reagan Given Top Award by Japanese," New York Times. October 24, 1989.
  13. ^ Honor awarded 1929 -- "Imperial Garter," Time Magazine, May 13, 1929.
  14. ^ "The Orphan of Asia," Time Magazine, July 20, 1959.
  15. ^ Honor awarded in 1938 -- "Flower to Mussolini," Time Magazine, September 5, 1938.
  16. ^ Honor awarded in 1024 -- "Japan Decorates Obregon; Order of the Chrysanthemum is Conferred by Special Ambassador," New York Times, November 28, 1924.
  17. ^ MOFA, speeches at Memorial Service
  18. ^ Honor awarded 1931 -- Mighty Monarch," Time Magazine, April 20, 1931.
  19. ^ Honor awarded 1989 -- Weisman, Stephen. "Reagan Given Top Award by Japanese," New York Times. October 24, 1989.
  20. ^ Vancouver Maritime Museum
  21. ^ Honor awarded 1882.
  22. ^ Honor awarded 1957 -- Sanjo municipal web site
  23. ^ Honor awarded in 1926 -- "Sea Noon," Time Magazine, November 8, 1926; "Profound Alarm," Time Magazine, July 6, 1931.
  24. ^ Honor awarded posthumously.
  • Peterson, James W., Barry C. Weaver and Michael A. Quigley. (2001). Orders and Medals of Japan and Associated States. San Ramon, California: Orders and Medals Society of America. ISBN 1-8909-7409-9

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Honors and decorations of Japan