Chinese Mao Zedong Circular Lapel Pin

Sunburst rays pulse around a small dark head on a ridged red disc.

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. Finely raised radiating ridges cover the whole red face, like a pleated fan. A small, dark-toned head in profile faces left at the center. The edge is irregular and slightly crinkled, with deep red color. It is 1.5 inches in diameter.

The pleats alone are worth a second look.