A collection of ceramic bowls tailored-made for Chairman Mao, with an estimated worth up to HK$12.5 million ($1.61 million), will go under the hammer at an auction viewing in Hong Kong.

The bowls were specially designed and produced for Mao's 81st birthday.

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

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