Hawaiian Knight Commander order awarded to Nakai Hiromu by Kalakaua, King of the Hawaiian Islands
[Japan] Presumably one of only two that were printed, this is an original Royal Order presented to Nakai Hiromu (1838-1894). Nakai was from Kagoshima (Satsuma) and is known to have used a variety of names during his life. He was well acquainted with many of the key players in the Bakumatsu-early Meiji era such as Sakamoto Ryoma, Iwasaki Yataro, Inoue Kaoru, Ito Hirobumi, Okubo Toshimichi, Saigo Takamori, Goto Shojiro, and Godai Tomoatsu. When British minister to Japan Sir Harry Parkes visited Kyoto in 1868, he was attacked by two disgruntled samurai and Nakai was a member of the entourage who helped repel the attack but received a head wound doing so. He received a sword from Queen Victoria for his efforts. This Knight Commander award was given to Nakai in 1881 for helping take care of King Kalakaua during his 1881 visit to Japan. For more about Nakai, see Eleanor Robinson's excellent article in, 'Britain & Japan - Biographical Portraits volume VII pp.33-43. The award is signed by Princess Regent Lili'uokalani (1838-1917), who succeeded King Kalakaua (1836-1891) and went on to become the last Queen of Hawaii. It is also signed by John Owen Dominis (1832-1891), who was actually the husband of Lili'uokalan and, thus, Regent.
Hawaii. May 7, 1881.
45.1 x 29.3cm.
In very good condition. Printed on parchment-like paper (vellum?) and with original wax seal. Folded twice. Minor age wear and a few marks and chips at edges. e37011776
