Manuscript DS in Japanese, one page, 23 x 18.5, December 14, 1939. Document by which Emperor Hirohito confers the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Second Class, upon a worthy recipient. Boldly signed at the top center by Hirohito. Tightly rolled and in fine condition, with some light creasing to the borders and a missing end panel to the box lid. Accompanied by its original wooden box, as well as two original photographs of Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako (removed from an Imperial family photo book, circa 1932).
Established as the Order of the Meiji in 1888 by Hirohito's grandfather, the Order of the Sacred Treasure is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in a wide variety of civil or military services, ranging from research fields, to social work, to state and local government. These documents, by which the emperor himself honors a citizen, become a part of the recipient's family legacy and do not often leave Japan. This example is especially desirable, dating to mere months prior to Japan's entry into World War II—the nation officially entered WWII on September 27, 1940, when they signed the Tripartite Pact with Germany and Italy.
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