Chinese Mao Zedong Star Lapel Pin

Five sharp points, one calm face, and a red circle doing the shouting.

This Mao Zedong star 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. Finely lined rays and a deep red roundel give this compact star its look. The relief head turns slightly to the left, with a high collar below. The surface is smooth and bright, with a crisp edge around the red. It is 1.25 inches wide and 1.25 high.

Symmetry this tidy seldom survives a pocket.