Zither

Se. Used chiefly at imperial and religious ceremonies. Large, wooden, rectangular, box-like body, the top of which is arched. Bottom flat with large circular holes at both ends, one end of body slants back from otherwise flat shape, hollow interior, two bridges extend across arched top; one where one end starts to slant away from main body, the other 20 cm. from end of lute. Wood piece and two bridges are made of dark wood, the rest is painted black with gold designs of flowers, birds, and a dragon on top. Twenty five strings extend across the main sound board. Good condition. Crack on top, most of strings present but broken. Wooden "bow" accompanying - brown wood, tip broken.