Item number: M102

Year: AD 1901-1942

Material: Silver

Size: Case 60.62 x 47.92 x 17.46 / Medal 21.83 x 32.08 mm

Weight: Case 9.61 / Medal 5.41 g

Provenance: Quan Jian Zhai 2022

This badge serves as the regular membership badge of the Patriotic Women’s Association, functioning as a proof of membership in the association. 

The central motif of the badge features an anchor and stars, symbolizing the Japanese Navy and Army, surrounded by floral and botanical decorations. The reverse side of the badge bears the inscription “Patriotic Women’s Association Regular Member,” and a clasp bar, inscribed with the phrase “半襟一挂,” is suspended above the badge, indicating the designated location for attaching this badge.

In the year AD 1901, Okumura Hyakuko established the Patriotic Women’s Association in Tokyo, Japan, and from AD 1904 onwards, initiated the establishment of branch organizations across various regions in Taiwan. This organization remained operational until AD 1942, during which it emerged as one of the largest women’s associations globally, boasting approximately seven million members. 

While its primary objective was to provide private pensions to the families of soldiers injured or killed in action through member donations, the welfare activities of the Patriotic Women’s Association gradually extended to a broader spectrum of civilian society. Whether in Japan or Taiwan, the members of the association were drawn from the upper class of society, with their principal responsibilities encompassing the care of Japanese combat-injured soldiers and their families, as well as fundraising to support military needs. 

The organization played a crucial role in society, with its members not only fulfilling duties in caring for soldiers and their families but also actively participating in efforts to uphold national interests. The presence of the Patriotic Women’s Association demonstrated the patriotic fervor within society at that time and the support for military affairs. 

物件編號: M102

年代: 公元 1901-1942 年

材質: 銀

尺寸: 盒 60.62 x 47.92 x 17.46 / 徽章 21.83 x 32.08 mm

重量: 盒 9.61 / 徽章 5.41 g

來源: 泉鑒齋 2022

此枚徽章為愛國婦人會的通常會員章，以此作為愛國婦人會成員的證明。 

徽章章裡正中央的錨、星星為日本海軍、陸軍意象，並以花草圖案為周邊裝飾。徽章的背面寫有「愛國婦人會 通常會員」的字樣，上方別針的橫槓處則刻了「半襟一掛」，表明此徽章要固定的位置。

在公元1901年，奧村五百子在日本東京創辦了愛國婦人會，並於公元1904年開始在台灣各地建立分支機構。這個組織一直運作到公元1942年，期間成為全球最大的婦女協會之一，擁有約700萬會員。 

雖然其主要宗旨是透過會員的捐款，為參與行動中受傷或陣亡的士兵的家屬提供私人養老金，但其福利逐漸擴展至更廣泛的民間社會成員。不論在日本還是台灣，愛國婦人會的成員都來自上流社會階層，主要職責包括照顧日本參戰受傷的軍人和其家屬，以及籌款以支援軍需。 

該組織在社會中扮演著重要的角色，其成員不僅履行了照顧軍人和家庭的義務，還參與了維護國家的努力。愛國婦人會的存在展現了當時社會的愛國熱情和對軍事事務的支持。