Chinese Mao Zedong Circular Lapel Pin

Heart-shaped red field inside a round gold frame, with a profile at the center.

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. Inside a thin round rim studded with tiny dots, the red field takes the shape of a heart. A gold left-facing head sits in its middle, with a high collar. The glossy red has a few tiny blemishes near the rim. It is 1.5 inches in diameter.

Romantic geometry, with a very official face.