Chinese Mao Zedong Lapel Pin

Torch flares in red over a cream plaque, and the flame practically drips.

This Mao Zedong lapel pin is from China, and dates to the 20th century. It is metal. 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. Curling red flame sits atop a slanted gold-toned handle at the left. A pale cream plaque with faint raised characters and a red wavy strip at the base fills the right side of the badge. It is 1 inches wide and 0.75 high.

Lit torch, quiet little plaque, and a very bright flame.