Japan – Golden Order of Merit of the Japanese red cross society

Description

The Japanese Red Cross Society grew from the Benevolence Society founded in 1877 to give aid to those wounded in the Satsuma Rebellion which spelled the end of Samurai power. The Society acceded to the Geneva Convention in 1886 and adopted its current name in 1887. 

Silver-gilt and white enamel cross clechée. The gilt-edged white enamel arms each with five gilt rays, with laterally-pierced ball suspension. The face with a blue enamel circular central medallion within a gilt ring bearing in gilt the emblem of the Society of a phoenix (ho-o) above a Geneva (Greek) cross in red enamel with pauwlonia and bamboo wreath in gilt. The reverse with a blue enamel circular central medallion within a gilt ring inscribed centrally with the name of the award and at the top the characters “Meiji 21st year” (1888) and at the bottom “Japanese Red Cross Society” On original ladies bow with original fittings and original case.