1960s Cultural Revolution Era Jingdezhen Chairman Mao Planter

This small jardiniere encapsulates the exact period in time that Mao began espousing “returning to the countryside” as part of his revolutionary philosophy. This particular piece was made in Jingdezhen during the Cultural Revolution (1966-76), and focuses on Mao’s Little Red Book as a recurring motif. The front motif depicts Chairman Mao inspecting the countryside, while the sides have some of his most iconic sayings including “Revolution is the means to liberate production”. The back bears a motif of Volume 4 of the Little Red Book, as well as the caption that “The Chairman’s ideals are the unsetting sun”.

The crackle glaze was a midcentury Jingdezhen signature, paying homage to archaic Gu glazes. On the base, the caption respectfully wishes Chairman Mao endless longevity by the Jiangxi Revolutionary Cadre; it should be noted that Jingdezhen is in Jiangxi province, another indicator that it was produced by a state cooperative in the porcelain capital.

Price marked at AUD$380.
Measurements: 16.5cm width, 11cm deep, 10cm high
Condition: Good, wear to base commensurate with age. Some wear overall commensurate with age. Staining to glaze as pictured.