Chinese Mao Zedong Star Lapel Pin

Slightly tilted attitude, glossy red heart, five sharp points; this star has swagger.

This Mao Zedong star lapel pin is from China, and dates to the 20th century. It is metal. 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. The star sits a little off-axis, its rays lined with narrow grooves. A raised head in profile fills the red disc, framed by a thin rim. The color is saturated, with a few darker specks near the lower points. It is 1.25 inches wide and 1.25 high.

It leans just enough to look confident.