Chinese Mao Zedong Circular Lapel Pin

Fine sunburst lines and a head modeled with unusual tenderness.

This Mao Zedong circular lapel pin is from China, and dates to the 20th century. It is metal. 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. Slim gold rim and a deep red ground engraved with narrow radiating lines frame the head. The left-facing head is full and rounded, with hair and brow clearly shaped. The gold surface shows a gentle sheen. It is 0.75 inches in diameter.

The engraver evidently took the sunrise very seriously.