KOREAN WAR CHINESE PROPAGANDA MIRROR.

美術照相兩用鏡 [Meishu zhaoxiang liangyong jing].<BR> [Art Photograph Dual-Use Mirror].

Shanghai. 上海裝鏡工業第二联營所. Shanghai jinggongye di'er lianyingsuo. (Circa 1940s - 1950s). Stock ID #224121

Mirror with attached coloured image on paper under glass on reverse, 10.5 x 15cm, metal handle 15.5 x 17.5cm. Mirror a little stained and clouded at edges, image browned at edges, hanger rusty, but still very functional. An interesting piece of 1950s propaganda.

This portable travel mirror is a useful and decorative example of the sort of mass produced consumer items made in the early 1950s in small local workshops that were organised into collectives. Travel mirrors could be hung up or propped up for use by a moveable handle. On the reverse is a colour socialist-realist illustration of a red flag-draped locomotive, a symbol of modern progress, patriotism and peace. The colourful image of the train with its 天平商标 logo could be displayed when not in use or replaced with a photo, with the mirror behind it.

In 1952 when China built its first domestically designed locomotive, it was called the "Peace" series, which we see written on the front of this engine with the image of a dove. China's involvement in the Korean War, to 'resist US aggression and assist Korea' depended on strong logistical supply lines to the front. Trains therefore became symbolic of national unity, strength, and China's ability to protect regional peace. Many such travel mirrors were bought as gifts and given as morale boosting items to the Chinese troops, who could insert family photographs under glass on the backs of their travel mirrors.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 224121.

Price: $295.00 AU

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