Enamel

These unusual Maozhang are made from steel coated with hard white enamel, which is sometimes called industrial enamel to distinguish it from the enamels used by jewellers. This material was more commonly used to make kitchenware and tableware, such as kettles, bowls, plates, trays and cups. The gold border to the badge below right specifically emulates some porcelain Maozhang, and the relatively late date suggests that it was made after the prohibition of using Mao's image on ceramic, and therefore easily broken, objects.