Trajectories of revolutionary ideology: Inquiry into the paper currency design of the Chinese Soviet Republic under the Chinese Communist Party (1931-1937)

This paper explores the role of currency design in the Chinese Soviet Republic as a tool for ideological dissemination and cultural transformation. By analyzing the integration of Soviet Socialist Realism and traditional Chinese artistic elements, the study highlights how visual strategies in currency design were used to reinforce Communist values and reshape national identity. Comparative analysis with the currency designs of the contemporaneous Republic of China, led by the Kuomintang, underscores differences in political and cultural messaging. This research emphasizes the strategic use of visual culture to influence public perception and behavior, illustrating the potency of art in political and social contexts. The findings suggest that currency design can be an effective medium for ideological indoctrination and offers insights into the broader significance of revolutionary art forms in shaping collective consciousness.