Fine Books & Manuscripts

MAO ZEDONG (1893-1976). Signed Photograph of Mao with Rare Vintage Chinese Communist Propaganda Album. Photo [Russian, ca. 1949] is very appealing. The portrait of Chairman Mao was issued by the Soviets for the Peace Conference celebrating the establishment of the Chinese Communist Party (October 1949) and election of Mao Zedong as its Chairman and Leader. Photograph of Mao, captioned in Russian at the bottom, HAND-SIGNED by Mao on verso in pencil. Approximately 5 ¼ x 3 ½”. Some toning, minor scuffing, right margin appears to be neatly trimmed (none of these affecting the signature on the verso). The photograph is loosely inserted at the front of a 12mo album (approximately 6 1 / 8 x 4”) with embroidered binding. The album itself is a rarity and we have never seen another one. It was printed for the Chinese Delegation to present to other Delegates of the Second Congress of the Defenders of World Peace, which took place in Warsaw in 1950. The album contains 2 preliminary leaves of text, followed by 10 inserted color Chinese propaganda photos. The balance of the album consists of blank leaves, most likely for taking notes or autographs. One of the blanks bears a hand-written inscription, “2nd World Congress of Defenders of Peace. Warsaw Poland, November 17, 1950.” Interestingly, the two other leaves have ink inscriptions, one headlined “Britain” and the other “India” above an inscription (likely by a delegate from India.) This album and photograph was passed by descent to the current consignor. What he knows was passed down orally, but he believes it belonged to a female Polish diplomat or delegate who attended the aforementioned Congress.