Hello, this item is a guzheng, a traditional Chinese plucked zither, purchased in Beijing in 1986. It features 21 strings and movable bridges, with decorative end panels—one of which includes a finely carved phoenix motif in gold. The instrument is in good condition, with no visible warping, cracks, or missing parts, and is stored in what appears to be its original hard case. While the maker and type of wood are unknown, the craftsmanship, full size (approximately 5’2” in length), and traditional aesthetic suggest it was produced by a reputable workshop catering to conservatory students or serious amateurs during the late 20th century in China.

Mid-1980s guzhengs from reputable factories like Xi’an, Dunhuang, or Tianjin often exhibit solid tonewoods and reliable construction, though lack of branding or documentation does slightly limit value. Assuming the soundboard is paulownia (as is traditional) and the bridges are hardwood, the current fair market value is estimated between $600 and $1,200 USD.