Visual propaganda was not limited to two dimensional posters. Three dimensional terracotta statuettes were also manufactured during the Cultural Revolution. The statuettes depicted some of the most famous people in Chinese culture at the time. Mao Zedong and his wife Jiang Qing and his potential successor Lin Biao were extremely popular subjects.
In addition to these high profile figures, workers, soldiers and peasants were frequently featured as well. Some of the most extreme examples of political influence in the statuette themes are the ones depicting the humiliation and punishment of counter-revolutionaries.
These terracotta statuettes do not enjoy the same reputation for artistic creativity and inventiveness that propaganda posters for the Cultural Revolution do. Many of the statuettes are visually bland and look alike. The artistic talents of their creator’s did not appear to be at the same level as the artists who created propaganda posters.
In spite of the lack of artistic freedom and political nature of Cultural Revolution art, the art of this period is appreciated by collectors for more than its historical significance. It is appreciated for the vision and talent that went into the pieces. The art of the Cultural Revolution is proof that extraordinary works of art can be produced even under the most extreme circumstances.