Grand Order of the Auspicious Stars: History and Original Line Drawings

Order No. 2 in the hierarchy of the Korean Empire decorations.

Original title

대훈위서성대수장

in japanese

大勳位瑞星大綬章

The Korean equivalent of the Japanese Order of the Chrysanthemum on a large ribbon.

It was intended to award "outstanding services" to members of the imperial family and the highest military and civilian ranks of the empire. To receive the order, it was necessary to be a holder of the first class of the Order of the Plum Blossom.

Established on April 17, 1900 by Imperial Decree No. 13 (another decree was issued on August 12, 1902).

 

Official illustrations.

Badge.



Miniature rosette.

 

Breast star.



Closer.

 

About the symbolism of Order of the Auspicious Stars /Sosong Tae-hunjang/.

According to legends the appearance of "three auspicious stars" means the coming to power of a virtuous ruler, but the five-pointed star itself is an ancient symbol of security and protection.

To date only 13 cavaliers of this order are known.

7 awards in 1907 (three Koreans and four Japanese citizens)
4 awards in 1908 (three Koreans and one Japanese citizens)
1 award in 1909 (Japanese citizen)
1 award in 1910 (Japanese citizen)

Formally, the order existed from 1900 to 1910.
But the first awards with the order were held only on January 21, 1907 and the last on April 2, 1910.

The order's badge has the following approximate dimensions 109×76 mm.
Breast star diameter 91 mm.