Chinese Mao Zedong Lapel Pin

Broad-shouldered star with a chunky red center and no interest in subtlety.

This Mao Zedong lapel pin is from China, and dates to the 20th century. 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. Deeply cut radiating lines mark each point of a wider, fuller star. The red field is large and shiny, and the left-facing profile is bold and rounded. Gold tones are warm and slightly worn at the tips. It is 1 inches wide and 1 high.

Plainly built to be noticed across a crowded room.