Disputed relic goes to auction

A Chinese relic, which Beijing officials say was looted in the 19th century, will be sold at auction next month, three years after the multimillion-dollar sales of related pieces drew condemnation from the mainland, a Hong Kong auction house said Monday.

The bronze dog head, about 17 inches high, was part of a water clock in the 18th century Qing dynasty featuring the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac.

The 2000 auctions of three other heads -- an ox, a tiger and a monkey -- triggered criticism from mainland officials who first threatened to stop the auctions but later paid millions of dollars to secure the return of the artifacts to China.