Order of the Sacred Treasure 3rd Class

[abufletcher]

On another trip to Kochi, just as the Sunday Market (which has been going on for 300 years) was wrapping up, I noticed a largish box on the ground at one of the outside stalls.  I was curious what it was and when I opened it up, it almost knocked my socks off!

 

I have several lower classes of the Sacred Treasure, but had never seen one of these...and had never expected to.  What a beautiful decoration.  One thing that I like about the Japanese decorations is that they generally don't have any writing on them  They are almost like jewelry. 

 

My understanding is that, while the Sacred Treasure was frequently awarded to members of the military, it could also be given to civilians who made a contribution to the country, including its economic development, education, health care, and culture. 

 

 

 

Here's the 6th class award that I got in another antique shop in Shikoku.