People's Liberation Army Ceremonial Flag.
This small silk flag is a ceremonial color of the armed forces of the People's Republic of China, the People's Liberation Army (PLA). It is red with a golden-yellow, five-point star in the upper hoist. Next to the star, in Chinese characters, are the numerals "8/1." This date, the 1st of August, was the date of the creation of the PLA in 1928. The golden yellow star is representative of the victories of the PLA, and the unification of China under one party rule.

The PLA ceremonial color was created in 1949 and although intended primarily as a military flag, there is photographic evidence of this flag's use as a naval ensign as well. From 1949 until 1996, this was the sole flag of the PLA, and remains the ceremonial color for large parades and for the various service academies.

Provenance: Acquired by purchase in China.

ZFC Collectible Flag

Sources:


Military Flags of the People's Republic of China, Flags of the World, 2 May 2012, from: http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/cn%5Emilit.html

PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, War Flags, 2 May 2012, from: http://tmg110.tripod.com/china2.htm

Image Credits:
Zaricor Flag Collection