Beschreibung:

EMPEROR HIROHITO] The Order of the Rising Sun, First Class [Kun Itto Kyojujitsu Daijusho], presented to his Excellency Mr. Eigil Ny... , presented to his Excellency Mr. Eigil Nygaard, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Norway in Japan by Emperor Hirohito in 1966. The sash award and the breast star badge are housed in the original black lacquer box on a lift-out velvet tray, with the original sash retained beneath it, together with the lapel pin for informal wear by recipients of the Order. The original protective white cardboard box is included; Together with the diploma of presentation, signed by Emperor Hirohito and stamped with the seal of state; additionally signed by Eisaku Sato, Prime Minister of Japan, and Norio Iwakura, the Director of Decoration; A pair of framed photographs signed in Japanese characters in bold black ink by Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagaro (now known as Kojun, her posthumous title), who are shown in formal full-length poses. Images measure 8 3/4 x 5 5/8 inches (22 x 15 cm each) on larger sheets. A group of documents relating to the protocol of presentation to the Emperor for presentation of the medal, in both Japanese and English; And a group of approximately thirty Imperial invitations, the Diplomatic List for 1959, etc. The medals, photographs and diploma generally in fine condition (a few faint spots, not affecting the inscription, to the image of Hirohito), some wear to a few of the envelopes of the invitations and to the instructional documents, in all a remarkable archive. Hirohito (1901-1989) Emperor Showa of Japan (his posthumous title) was one of modern history's more resilient figures. Despite attempted assassination and coups early in his reign, despite Japan's involvement in the Second World War and his active role in the prosecution of that campaign, against the odds he survived in office to oversee the postwar renewal of his country. Japan's reacceptance on the world stage as a sovereign nation was heralded by diplomatic missions-by 1959, countries from Afghanistan to Yugoslavia were on Japan's diplomatic list. The Order of the Rising Sun, First Class, was the first national decoration to be awarded by the Japanese Government, created on 10 April 1875 by decree of the Council of State. It is the highest Order that Ambassador Nygaard could have been offered (the Order of the Chrysanthemum is reserved for heads of state and royalty, and the Order of the Paulownia flowers is conferred primarily upon politicians). Since the award is granted to those who have made distinguished achievements in international relations and the promotion of Japanese culture, it was the apposite choice for an ambassador. Because the Emperor was publicly inaccessible throughout his career, documents and photographs signed by him are distinctly uncommon, and such items as have been offered at auction are generally documents addressed to heads of state or diplomats, as here. Accompanied by a major Order with all the collateral documentation, this is an exceptionally unusual offering. C