The medals are held in their original blue velvet box. The medals comprise: 1 large pin medal, 1 large medal with purple and yellow sash, 1 small pin medal with narrow purple and yellow ribbon, 2 small cufflinks or lapel badges with purple and gold ribbon folded into flowers.

These medals were awarded to Joseph Needham by the Republic of China 'in recognition of his constant efforts in promoting good relations between China and Great Britain'.

In Oct. 1947 Chiang Kai-Shek awarded Joseph Needham the Order of the Brilliant Star with Cravat in recognition of his work in promoting good relations between Britain and China. It was presented to Joseph Needham by the Chinese Ambassador to Britain in Jul. 1949.

The Order of the Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon 景星勋章 was award to Joseph Needham in 1984. The certificate 证书, dated 1 Oct. 1984, is held in Joseph Needham’s archives in Cambridge University Library.

See also the certificate catalogued as NRI2/9/9/1/13.