This story is written specially for those collectors who are collecting
Cultural revolution pottery. In fact, this type of pottery is the most
popular type of collector's items amongst many overseas Chinese community as
it fetches high prices.

For many of the collectors who collects cultural revolution pottery
including tea pots and tea cups from that era, the value comes from the fact
that many of these pottery were smashed or destroyed during the many
revolutions and counter revolution of those times. Thus, they are less in
numbers and many think that it is a good time to collect them now before the
prices of these pieces soar and hit through the roof, especially since China
resembles more of a market economy now than Stalinist or Maoist China.

There are some of these pottery which have the picture of a man called Lei
Feng adorned on it. Just who is this person? It is important to note that to
many he is just a folklore. Firstly, because, there are no strong historical
evidence to his existence. Secondly, because, he sounds too perfect to be
true. Thus, doubts are cast on his existence. However, he remains a symbol
of Communist China and was often used in official propaganda and
pronouncements.

He is usually depicted as a young man wearing a winter furred hat and in
military uniform (olive green) and sometimes carrying weapon. He can also
been seen fighting alongside comrades or helping people in need e.g. old
folks. He has a very handsome and angular face with well-defined features
and rosy cheeks. Many a times, he is depicted in a winter scene.

He is the man that the Chinese communist state recognises to be the symbol
of all things good in communism - a communist folklore hero who fights for
all those that are underclass. Lei Feng grew up in the troubled times in
Chinese modern history. His father was killed by the Japanese soldiers in
the world war and his grandmother was worked to death by unscrupulous
landlords. IN fact, his whole family met with various sort of tragedies.

Lei Feng grew up in a village and was helping out in the farming industry.
He experienced the hardship of a peasant. He was taught how to sing the
communist anthem "Without the communist party, there will not be New China".
It subsequently became his favourite anthemn. It is said that Lei Feng loved
his country and was patriotic because he felt that he was brought up by the
state since he had no parents. He was grateful to the state and the Party
for giving him a life and existence. As a result, he wanted to do all he
could to return the gratitude to the state. He worked hard at the fields,
helped old folks, sacrificed himself on many occasions,ie. during
starvation, wars etc. He even became a soldier and many a times sacrificed
his meals or life for his other comrades in arms.