Chairman Mao Commemorative Badge
In the world of Chinese art collections, there is a unique category with Chinese characteristics, comprised of red collectibles that bear the legacy of history and rich culture of the People’s Republic of China. These items embody the glorious moments, memories and anecdotes.
Chairman Mao badges are the most classic of “red collectibles,” also known as the “precious red badges” and “commemorative badges,” featuring an illustration of Chairman Mao’s head portrait. These symbolic badges covered historical incidents such as political conferences, military defense, art and culture as well as agriculture where Mao played a leadership role in the democratic revolution and building of socialism. Being seen as cultural icons of Chinese modern history, Chairman Mao badges were mass-produced throughout China, running into an extensive variety of styles, matched by their massive popularity. Collectors attach profound emotional value to these badges which reveal indispensable information and evidence for research in modern Chinese history.
According to the articles History of Mao Zedong badges and Mao Zedong badges from the Cultural Revolution Period, the production of these badges was particularly pronounced in three periods: before the liberation, the early period of the founding of New China and the Cultural Revolution. The earliest badges were modeled after the silver Chairman Mao medals presented by the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army. In 1942, the first Yan’an Mao badge was produced in Yan’an. In 1945, film director Ling Zifeng designed the earliest metal Mao badge. During the early period of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, limited outputs of Mao medal badges and commemorative badges were produced in some regions. During the Cultural Revolution, the cult of Chairman Mao and the massive worship fostered around him reached a pinnacle, accompanied by a feverish demand for Mao badges. It is estimated that 94% of PRC citizens wore Chairman Mao badges in 1969. During May 1966 to August 1968, more than 20,000 factories across the country were mobilized for producing over 8 billion Mao badges and Little Red Book, reflecting the height of cult worship that engulfed the nation.
Under the influence of the Cultural Revolution, the production and craftsmanship of these badges became increasingly sophisticated, as the finest material was used and the mould was carved by the best moulder. The entire production process was treated as a sense of political mission with great dedication to the leader. Mr. Qiao Dayu, a famous timepiece expert and creator of the first tourbillon in Asia, personally handcrafted the main steel mould for making Mao badges.
Relative to the massive amount of Chairman Mao badges issued, the circulation of those created from precious metal has remained severely restricted. According to the research publication published by the British Museum, the first 22K gold Mao badge was produced in 1950 in Shanghai. In 1952, the Shanghai Gold Shop produced Mao badges in 22K gold to celebrate Mao’s 60th birthday. The market prices of these gold badges nowadays have skyrocketed fiercely since they were first launched to the market.