Contemporary Currency Bills as Representations of Ideological Functions of the State Power (PRC, the Fourth Emission, 1987-1999)

Abstract

The article explores the ways in which the conceptualization of people as a source of state power is represented in the national currency of the state. The fourth emission currency of China is chosen as a case for the study, for the thoroughly thought out concept thereof can be seen as an integral reflection of the idea of Chinese nation. The fourth emission series may be viewed as summarizing the development both of the country itself and of its ideological line from 1949 through the 1980s. The essence of the concept is that the entire Chinese people builds socialism under the guidance of the Party. The visual row of the currency bills represents the community that is conceptualized by ethnic and social criteria. Portraits of national minority representatives are to be associated with certain territorial units, which asserts the idea of integrity of the country. The founders of PRC and the Party rulers before 1976 occupy the top of the pictured hierarchy. The monolithic quality of the images further asserts the unity of the ideological line and the solidarity of the people with their leaders.