Mao’s Golden Mangoes and the Cultural Revolution at China Institute Gallery, through April 26, 2015

“In 1968, after receiving a gift of mangoes from the visiting Pakistani foreign minister, Mao Zedong sent the fruit to the Worker-Peasant Mao Zedong Thought Propaganda Teams. Mangoes, an unfamiliar fruit at that time in China, became a temporary political symbol of Chairman Mao’s benevolence and love for the people.” — China Institute.

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Rectangular mango vitrine from Beijing No. 1 Machine Tool PLant, August 1968

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Small photograph of mangoes, September 1968

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Mango vitrine with likeness of Mao and standard inscription: “Respectfully wishing Chairman Mao eternal life. To commemorate the precious gift presented by Great Leader Chairman Mao to the Capital Worker-Peasant Mao Zedong Thought Propaganda Teams – Mango. 5 August 1968,” c.1968-69. Glass, red enamel 20.3 x 14 x 9 cm. Papier-mâché mango, 13 cm.

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Small photograph of mangoes, September 1968

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Small poster of mango on porcelain plate, circa 1968 or 1969.18.5 x 25.7 cm with mat 45.5 x 45.5 cm

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Wash basin with design of a mango branch, c. 1968. Industrial enamel, H 10.2 x Diam. 34.5 cm

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Mug with lid and design of seven mangoes, 1968. Industrial enamel, H. 13.6 x Diam. 10.7 cm

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Tray with design of mango, character for “Double Happiness,” and stenciled slogan: “With each mango, profound kindness,” 1969. Industrial enamel, H 5 x Diam. 31.2 cm

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Badge: Mao in profile. “Forever Loyal to Chairman Mao.” Diam. 6.2 cm

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Quilt cover with design of baskets of three mangoes, student backpacks, and convoy of trucks, 1968. Printed cotton, 201 x 78 cm

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Members of the Worker-Peasant Propaganda Teams at Qinghua University cheering at the gift of mangoes, August 1968

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Factory workers at Beijing Knitting Mill applauding the mango. From China Revista Illustrada, October 1968, back cover, 36.5 x 26 cm

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Poster of Mao Zedong in front of a parade, 1969

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Pencil box with design of mango on plate, 1968-1970

Images courtesy China Institute