Chinese Mao Zedong Circular Lapel Pin

Waves, stars, and a flag-bearing crowd crowd the bottom of a bold red disc.

This Mao Zedong circular lapel pin is from China, and dates to the 20th century. It is metal. Cultural Revolution memorabilia, whether porcelain figures, buttons or posters, is described as reflecting pivotal moments in modern Chinese history and the lives swept up in that period, beyond the figure it portrays. Above a swirl of silver waves, a scatter of tiny stars and a banner with small marching figures spills from the base. The head is large and pale, facing left on a generous red disc. The base is a bright, polished silver. It is 2 inches wide and 2 high.

A parade, compressed to the size of a thumbnail.