Chinese Mao Zedong Lapel Pin

Smiling bust with crossed hands and a lantern hint at the red edge.

This Mao Zedong lapel pin is from China, and dates to the 20th century. After Mao's death in 1976, the Communist Party began a process of de-Mao-ization, and much memorabilia was destroyed, statues were taken down, and many badges were collected and melted into functional objects. Rounded corners shape the red rectangular plate, where a bust in a buttoned jacket crosses hands in front. The relief is golden with rainbow flashes, and a faint red lantern shape sits at the right. It is 2 inches wide and 2.5 high.

Friendly posture, buttoned collar, subtle lantern.