Chinese Bust of Mao Zedong

A softer, chalkier bust in a high collar, sitting on a boxy, lettered stand.

This bust of Mao Zedong is from China, and dates to the 20th century. It is porcelain. 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. A white bust with a matte, slightly chalky surface shows a round face and swept-back hair above a buttoned high-collared jacket with small bumps at the chest. A rectangular base carries brushy characters, and the surface is scuffed. It is 6 inches wide, 4 deep and 7.5 high.

The scuffs add character, the stare adds the rest.