Chinese Mao Zedong Glowing Lapel Pin

A white profile rests on a garland of carved blooms inside a jeweled red ring.

This Mao Zedong glowing lapel pin is from China, and dates to the 20th century. It is plastic. Propaganda posters of the era generally pictured a utopian society, with smiling farmers, brave soldiers and happy people gathered around Mao, who was cast as a benevolent father and wise teacher. A round badge with a red field and a cream relief head in profile above a wreath of small petals. The rim is dotted with tiny red and golden beads, giving the edge a studded, sparkling look. It is 1.75 inches in diameter.

Garlands and beads, and still the profile keeps calm.