Silver gilt, enamels and glass, 86.3 mm in height (incl. eyelet), 55.1 mm in width. Suspended on a paulownia crest of green leaves and purple flowers, veined on the obverse and inscribed on the reverse with characters meaning "order of merit decoration". The paulownia crest is suspended from a golden loop through which the neck ribbon is threaded. The neck ribbon is in white moiré silk, 37 mm wide with 5mm-wide red edges.

The issue case measures 140 x 85 x 40 mm, in solid wood, with beveled edges, finished in black lacquer The title decorates the lid in gold-plated kanji. Inside, the case is lined with purple velvet and has a hinged fitted pad for the badge and space for the ribbon.

The badge is in excellent condition. All the components are pristine and show no wear visible to the naked eye. The ribbon is very clean. The buckle on the ribbon shows mild wear to the gold finish. The clasp is in perfect working order.

The issue case is in very good to excellent condition, showing just very faint traces of what looks like a rectangular sticker on the lid. Overall, the lacquer shows minimal storage wear and has retained its vibrant deep shine. The kanji on the lid is pristine.

The Order of the Rising Sun, the first national decoration of Japan, was established by the Council of State Decree of April 10, 1875. It can be bestowed on the military and civilians, Japanese and foreign, as a general order or merit.