Yongle blue and white octagonal floral candlesticks

Bidding commences on 29 May through Bonhams in Hong Kong

So incredibly rare are blue and white octagonal candlesticks made in the Yongle period that this perfectly matched pair carries a pre-auction estimate of between HK$15 million and HK$20 million. The remarkable octagonal shape of the candlesticks are a distinctive feature of early 15th century blue and white Chinese porcelain, inspired by Islamic metalwork of the 13th and 14th centuries. To date, only six examples of these Yongle candlesticks are known to exist, with these being the only two surviving specimens in private hands.