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Auction: 22003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 551

(x) The Japanese Order of the Rising Sun Second Class set of Insignia awarded to Captain J. M. James, a long-standing officer of the Emperor of Japan who was raised to the Second Class for his services during the Japan-China War of 1894

Japan, Empire, Order of the Rising Sun, Second Class set of Insignia, comprising neck Badge, 80mm including paulownia flower suspension x 55mm, silver-gilt, silver and enamel, with red cabochon to centre; breast Star, 90mm, silver-gilt, silver and enamel, with red cabochon to centre, good very fine, with neck riband and in their slightly damaged fitted cases of issue (2)

Second Class conferred by the Emperor for his services rendered to the Imperial Navy during the Japan-China War of 1894, the Diploma being dated 13 December 1894.

John Matthews James first sailed for England for the Japanese Navy in July 1868, when superintending the building of the Riyo-jo-Kan, which he commanded and sailed back to Japan and delivered in February 1870. In 1876 he was present and sailed in the Gembu-Maru under the orders from the Minister of the Marine to join the Expedition to Korea. For his efforts in surveying water channels he '...received a highly complimentary letter from the Ambassador, accompanied by a substantial present in gold coin for purchasing a suitable souvenir of the expedition.'

He was to command a vessel during the Satsuma Rebellion, went on the Unebi-Kan search expedition and was present for all manner of important State events in Japan in the period. James was in receipt of the Fourth Class of the Order and was promoted to the Second Class. He died in Japan in 1908; sold together with a fascinating original archive of material including his Record of Service, Programme for a Dinner for Lord Charles Beresford, given by James at the Oriental Hotel, together with original letters, burial details, besides a number of period Japanese prints.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£3,800

Starting price
£350

Sale 22003 Notices
'Service Records provided in the extensive archive confirm the recipient awarded the Diploma in 1894. His Will, which records all the property returned to his family after his death, do not list the Diploma as being sent to them with the other items offered here. Thus it is assumed it never left Japan - either being disposed of or returned to the authorities.'