Keywords: Red Guards, revolutionary youth, political memorabilia, propaganda art, mechanical clock, wind-up clock, alarm clock, automaton, Little Red Book, socialist realism, mid-century

Summary:
Chinese Cultural Revolution-era mechanical mantel clock housed in a shaped dark-stained wooden case with gilt-tone trim. The square dial features Arabic numerals surrounding a printed scene of enthusiastic revolutionary youths, with a dimensional raised-arm element intended to animate with the movement. Flanking red panels are decorated with books, flowers, Chinese inscriptions, and quotations associated with Mao Zedong.

The right panel bears the well-known slogan: ‘Be resolute, fear no sacrifice, surmount every difficulty, and strive for victory.’ The left panel includes a quotation encouraging revolutionary comrades to recognize achievements, see the future clearly, and raise their courage. The imagery and language are characteristic of propaganda produced during China’s Cultural Revolution, which lasted from 1966 to 1976.

Working at time of inspection.

Measurement: 6 x 9 x 2 1/4 in. (15.2 x 22.9 x 5.7 cm.) approx

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