The Imperial Chrysanthemum Tiara

The Chrysanthemum is one of the most important symbols of the Japanese monarchy, and one of its most fabulous tiaras features this symbol as well. The tiara is reserved exclusively for the use of the Empress.

The tiara was made in 1917 on the orders of Empress Teimei, and it has been a much-worn piece since.

Empress Nagako wore the tiara for the wedding of her son, Akihito, and continued to wear it for important state occasions such as state visits. When her husband died, the use of the tiara passed to Empress Michiko, who also wore it for her younger son’s wedding. It became one of her main tiaras during her tenure.

The tiara is now being worn by Empress Michiko’s daughter-in-law, Empress Masako.