Japan.—The Japanese orders were all instituted by the emperor Mutsu Hito. In design and workmanship the insignia of the orders are beautiful examples of the art of the native enamellers. The Order of the Chrysanthemum (Kikkwa Daijasho), founded in 1877, has only one class. It is but rarely conferred on others than members of the royal house or foreign rulers or princes. The Order of the Paulownia Sun (Tokwa Daijasho), founded in 1888, in one class, may be in a sense regarded as the highest class of the Rising Sun (Kiokujitsasho) founded in eight classes, in 1875. The badge of both orders is essentially the same, viz., the red sun with white and gold rays; in the former the lilac flowers of the Paulownia tree, the flower of the Tycoon's arms, take a prominent part. The last two classes of the Rising Sun wear a decoration formed of the Paulownia flower and leaves. The Order of the Mirror or Happy Sacred Treasure (Zaihosho) was founded in• 1888. There is also an order for ladies, that of the Crown, founded in 1888. The military order of Japan is the Order of the Golden Kite, founded in 189o.
Persia.—The Order of the Sun and Lion, founded by Fath `Ali Shah in i8o8, had five classes. It is understood that the crea tion by the present Shah of a new set of orders and decorations, is imminent.
Siam.—The Sacred Order, or the Nine Precious Stones, was founded in 1869, in one class only, for the Buddhist princes of the royal house. The Order of the White Elephant, founded in 1861, is the principal general order. The badge is a striking exam ple of oriental design adapted to a European conventional form. The circular plaque is formed of a triple circle of lotus leaves in gold, red and green, within a blue circlet with pearls a richly caparisoned white elephant on a gold ground, the whole sur mounted by the jewelled gold pagoda crown of Siam; the collar is formed of alternate white elephants, red, blue and white royal monograms and gold pagoda crowns. Other orders are the Siamese Crown (Mongkut Siam), founded 1869; the family Order of C/iulah-Chon-Clao, 1873; and the Maha Charkrkri, 1884, only for princes and princesses of the reigning family. (C. WE.)