Star of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre

The star belongs to the decorations of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, established by Pope Alexander VI in 1496. It is a decoration of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem reactivated in 1868. The privilege of awarding the order was granted to the Grand Master of the Order. The cross was worn on a ribbon of black silk moiré around the neck, while the star was placed on the left breast. The presented star of the order belonged to Tadeusz Dzierżykraj-Morawski (1821-1888), a deputy marshal of the Sejm of the Grand Duchy of Posen, chamberlain to the Prussian King Wilhelm I. This meritorious citizen of Lesser Poland (Wielkopolska) was the son of Franciszek, a general, poet, translator, participant in the Napoleonic Wars, and Minister of War during the November Rising (1831). Tadeusz Morawski left behind all the insignia of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, namely, a cross, two stars, two miniatures and a ribbon. The eight-pointed stars are very similar, both concerning composition and the materials used. They differ only in the decorative technique. The present one has rays composed of rows of small peas, giving the impression of three-dimensionality. Due to the texture of the rays, it is called brilliant or grosgrain. The emblem of the Order, i.e., the cross of Jerusalem, surrounded by a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon, is placed in its centre. The star is imposing, and the enamel of the cross and the wreath increases its artistic value. The Godet jewellery company made it in Berlin. The large signature of this famous jeweller (royal supplier) can be seen on the back of the star.

Genowefa Horoszko