Chinese Mao Zedong Lapel Pin

Red blossoms scatter across snow while a bundled-up head in a cap looks calmly outward.

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. A bust in a cap and thick scarf fills a squared plaque with rounded corners. White ground and sprays of red blossom lie behind, under a pale blue sky. A gold band along the base carries stylized characters. It is 2.25 inches wide and 2 high.

Winter has never looked so well dressed.