Insignia, Medal and Button
Unknown Artist
late 19th century
Medium
Silver; white ribbon with red borders
Dimensions
a: 4 5/8 × 2 1/4 in. (11.7 × 5.7 cm) b: 3 5/8 × 3 1/2 × 1/2 in. (9.2 × 8.9 × 1.3 cm) c: 1/2 × 7/16 in. (1.3 × 1.1 cm)
Classification
Medals
Culture & Period
Japan · Meiji period (1868–1912)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Edward D. Adams and Jacob H. Schiff, 1906
Accession Number
06.427a–c
Art Historical Context
This exquisite set of *Insignia, Medal and Button* from late 19th-century Japan a glimpse into the Me period (1868–1912), a transformative era when the nation rapidly modernized while preserving its imperial traditions. Crafted in silver with a white ribbon accented by red borders, items—measuring a compact 4 5/8 × 2 1/4 inches for the insignia, slightly larger for the medal, a petite button—likely served as official decorations, possibly for military or court officials. The Meiji era saw Japan emulate Western honors systems to symbolize national strength and loyalty to the emperor, blending i...