The Order of the Golden Grain (嘉禾章) was instituted in 1912 by the Republic of China to reward civil and military merit, especially for contributions to agriculture, diplomacy, and public administration. It remained in use through the early 20th century and was conferred both domestically and to foreign dignitaries. The Third Class (Commander) grade was typically awarded to high-ranking civil servants and officers of equivalent status.
Medal Details:
Type: Neck Badge (Commander, Third Class), Type 2
Country: Republic of China
Period: Post-1912 (Early Republic era)
Design (Obverse): Stylized white enameled starburst with central medallion featuring a sheaf of golden grain, surrounded by a multicolored ring of dots
Design (Reverse): Red enameled medallion with Chinese inscription 嘉禾章 (Order of the Golden Grain)
Suspension: Floral knot suspension with a red-and-white striped neck ribbon
Dimensions: 62.57 mm x 61.94 mm
Condition & Observations:
Enamel is generally in very good condition with vivid colors and no visible cracking
Minor signs of age-related wear on the metal surfaces, particularly on the suspension link
Ribbon shows moderate creasing and storage wear, but remains intact and correctly attached
Details on the enamel medallion remain sharp and well-defined
Remarks:
A desirable piece for collectors of Chinese Republican-era orders and decorations
Complete with its original neck ribbon, which is often missing or replaced in surviving examples
Rare to find in such well-preserved condition, especially with enamel fully intact
An excellent example of early Republican Chinese orders, reflecting the transition from imperial to modern merit-based systems of honor