Quotations of Mao-Statement of significance

 

Figure 1 Object photograph

This iconic old book contains many significances, part of which belongs to Quotations of Mao and part of it belongs to this object itself. The significance identified in this object can be divided into 4 categories as followed:

Historic and social:

In 1966, in accordance with the instructions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, it was decided to publish many of Chairman Mao's works and nearly 300 printing factories across the country were mobilized to print "Quotations of Mao." (Tang Yanming & Tang Yaming, 2015). The mass release of Mao Zedong’s quotations marked the excessive worship of Mao’s idol and the spread of left-leaning radicalism during the Cultural Revolution so that the correct content of the book itself was distorted into dogmatic blind obedience (Tang Yanming& Tang Yaming, 2019). Today, this book has become part of the collective memory, carrying the nostalgia and introspection of the older generations to that era.

Aesthetic:

The whole book is an artistic design with socialist characteristics and represent an art form with the characteristics of the times. Features include the main colour of red, character illustrations with specific propaganda functions and so on (Yang, 2004).

Research:

Quotations of Mao also reflect the national economy at that time and Mao’s ideological level, which has high research value. By studying the materials and manufacturing method of the books, one can analyse the printing industry level of the country at that time. By studying the contents of the book, one can understand Mao’s thoughts and further study the ideological line of the entire country and the party at that time, how they mistakenly stepped into revisionism and led to the Cultural Revolution, which provides a reference for future socialist development (Tang Yanming& Tang Yaming, 2019).

Figure 2 The signature on the front flyleaf

Figure 3 The notes on the back flyleaf

As an heirloom:

As a gift, this book bears the owner's nostalgia for his father. At the same time, it also reflects some family events from the side, which can help understand the interpersonal relationship at that time.