Precious past: This utility knife, made in the western Han dynasty, is one of the features of the Ancient Chinese Weapons exhibition.

About 100 antique weapons will be displayed at the Museum of Coastal Defence from March 17 to September 20, offering a glimpse into the military tactics, art and culture of pre-Han China, and the development of the Chinese writing system.

The Ancient Chinese Weapons exhibition, featuring the drama and beauty of China's bronze age, shows a variety of relics that were not only implements of armed struggle, but also props for ritual sacrifices, badges of rank, works of art, displays of conspicuous luxury and tools of everyday life.

Deputy Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Chung Ling-hoi thanked Stephen Selby, the honourable adviser to the Museum of History and Director of Intellectual Property, for loaning 80 ancient Chinese bronze weapons for the exhibition.

"Bronze is an artistic craft used very early in ancient China. Finely made and in vast variety, bronze was treasured. Among the many bronze products, weapons have an important position," Mr Chung said.

More information on the exhibition is available here, or call 2569 1500.

A symposium, Ancient Chinese Military History & the Thoughts of Sun Zi, will be held in Putonghua on March 17 and 18. For details and reservations call 2569 1270.