Chinese # 68 - Parade

This Chinese propaganda poster depicts a massive public celebration centered on portraits of Mao Zedong (1893–1976) and his successor, Hua Guofeng (1921–2008). The enormous gathering of workers, peasants, soldiers, families and representatives of China's different ethnic groups is presented beneath a sea of red flags, banners, balloons and festive decorations.The identification of the two leaders provides important context for the poster. Mao's portrait appears on the left and Hua's on the right. Following Mao's death in September 1976, Hua Guofeng became Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party. Posters from this transitional period frequently placed Mao and Hua together, visually presenting Hua as the continuation of Mao's leadership. The poster belongs to the politically significant period immediately following the Cultural Revolution. Hua's position was strengthened in October 1976 following the arrest of the Gang of Four, and contemporary propaganda portrayed large public demonstrations celebrating both Hua's leadership and that political change The composition is deliberately expansive. Groups representing different occupations and regions march together across the foreground carrying banners and placards, while an immense crowd stretches into the distance. Industrial and agricultural imagery reinforces the idea of nationwide participation. The artist of this poster has not been identified from the information presently available. This is an Original Vintage Poster, it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all our posters.