Ceramics for Chairman Mao worth millions

A collection of ceramic bowls tailored-made for Chairman Mao are exhibited at a pre-auction?viewing in Hong Kong on June 19, 2013. [Photo by polyauction.com.hk]

A collection of ceramic bowls tailored-made for Chairman Mao, worth an estimated HK$10 – 12.5 million, drew the spotlight on Wednesday at a pre-auction viewing in Hong Kong.

The set of under-glazed colored ceramic bowls, as clear as jade, was specially designed and produced for Mao's 81st birthday.

The auction is being jointly staged by Poly Auction (Hong Kong) Ltd and The Office of Hunan Cultural Industry at Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel on Thursday.

The eggshell bowls with patterns of roses, lotus, chrysanthemum and red plum blossoms, representing the four seasons, rhyme with Mao's poems, one of Mao's penchants.

The bowls will be sold along with other ceramics and embroideries from Hunan province.