Lot 1563
Hawaiian Decoration - Royal Household Order. A stunning royal order in near Mint condition This rare item can be found listed on page 158 of Medcalf's Hawaiian Money Standard Catalog, second edition. A beautiful example, this order was known in years past from only two museum specimens, one in the Bishop Museum and the other in Iolani Palace. A Royal "Household Order", it was awarded to female members of the Kalakaua dynasty as a symbol of a close family relationship. At the coronation of King Kalakaua in 1883 a photograph was taken showing Princess Poomaikelani wearing one on her shoulder. "The Royal Order was probably conferred on no more than six ladies," according to Medcalf. It is made of gold, surmounted with a Royal Crown. Gold and white enameled gold shield inscribed KULIA I KANUU. Center two gold ornamental letter Ks, the right facing backward to the left K. Worn on the shoulder, suspended from a red bow ribbon. 3-1/4" long. The last word on the inscription KANUU should have been KA NUU in two words ("the summit"). This was Queen Kapiolani's motto, "Strive for the Summit." Indeed, a precious, rare historical Hawaiian artifact of the Royal household.
Estimated Value $7,000 - 9,000.
From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection.
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| Realized $23,000 |
