Insignia of the Order of the Precious Crown, Paulownia

Insignia of the Order of the Precious Crown, Paulownia

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Japanese order system, modeled on European examples, originated in the 1870s shortly after the Meiji Restoration to recognize individual merit, typically in the form of distinctive insignia such as medals, collars, and badges. The Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum was the highest distinction conferred by the emperor; the Order of the Golden Kite was an exclusive military honor; and the Order of the Precious Crown was primarily awarded to women.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Insignia of the Order of the Precious Crown, PaulowniaInsignia of the Order of the Precious Crown, PaulowniaInsignia of the Order of the Precious Crown, PaulowniaInsignia of the Order of the Precious Crown, PaulowniaInsignia of the Order of the Precious Crown, Paulownia

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.