Visitors to a special auction will be able to reflect on more than 2,000 years of history this weekend.

More than 100 bronze mirrors dating back as far as the Warring States period will come under the auctioneer's hammer.

The original owner of the mirrors is Guan Zuzhang, a former engineer in the Ministry of Transportation who was beaten to death by the Red Guards during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76). All of the possessions in his collection, mainly ancient bronze mirrors, were confiscated.

After the "cultural revolution", some of the bronze mirrors were eventually returned to Guan's family.

The 100-odd pieces cover a period from the Warring States (475-221 BC), the Han, the Tang, the Song and the Jin, the Yuan, the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). These mirrors were found and collected one by one by Guan, a collector throughout the course of his life.

To collect of bronze mirrors used by the ancient Chinese have become a modern trend in recent years in China. They have again begun to attract collectors' attention.

Experts now say that bronze mirrors like these have a bright future and will increase in value down the years.

The auction, organized by China Guardian Auctions Co Ltd, features some 3,000 pieces of art ranging from traditional paintings and calligraphy to handicrafts such as porcelain plus watches and cameras.

Preview: 9 am-5 pm, February 12,13 Auction: 9:30 am, 1:30 pm, 7 pm, February 13-15

Location: Haoyuan Jianguo Garden Hotel, 19 Jianguomennei Street

Tel: 6528-6666

(Beijing Weekend February 13, 2004)