Confucius

1973 · 221164 — China. Circa1973-1976. Original colour propaganda cartoon painted in colour on paper 39.5 x 16.8cm. Minor wear at extremities with a little loss some closed tears across centre horizontal fold neatly repaired on the verso with washi paper. Image very clear. In good condition. This striking anti-Confucian cartoon directly attacks what were seen as obsolete and corrupt values. The intended targets are clearly signalled: “lackeyism” the “restoration of the emperor” and traditional Confucian ethics identified in the inscriptions on the flag and in the smoke rising from the yellow gourd. At the figure’s feet lie red cards bearing the Confucian virtues of loyalty propriety righteousness and benevolence now trampled and discarded. The central figure kneels in an outdated pose of submission marked by a top-knot hairstyle tied with ribbons archaic shoes and a long beard – all deliberate allusions to a feudal past. His red nose suggests moral corruption or weakness. Scattered yellow cards marked with black dots likely symbolise bribery corruption or collaboration with foreign powers. Together these elements create a damning image of a morally bankrupt backward-looking order. <br> <br>The cartoon was almost certainly produced during the “Criticise Lin Criticise Confucius” campaign of 1973–76 when traditional Confucian values were denounced as obstacles to revolutionary progress. . unknown