Erhu Value Guide

The Erhu is a quintessential Chinese two-stringed bowed instrument with a history spanning over 1,000 years, originating from Central Asian influences during the Tang Dynasty. Collectible examples from the 1900-1940 era are prized for their traditional craftsmanship and their role as a staple in early 20th-century Chinese classical and folk music.

What Is Erhu Worth?

The typical price range for Erhu is $180 - $220 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the snakeskin membrane, as tears or significant drying can drastically reduce the $180-$220 market value.
• The specific type of wood used in the neck and resonator, with denser, aged hardwoods commanding higher prices.
• Originality of components, including the horsehair bow and the presence of any decorative bone or ivory inlays.
• Provenance and evidence of the instrument being a functional folk piece versus a decorative souvenir from the 1900-1940 period.

How to Identify Erhu?

• Verify the presence of authentic snakeskin stretched over the small hexagonal or octagonal sound box.
• Check for two strings, traditionally silk but often metal in early 20th-century examples, tuned a fifth apart.
• Look for a bow made of bamboo and horsehair that is permanently threaded between the two strings.
• Examine the wood quality, typically rosewood or ebony, for signs of age-appropriate patina and hand-carved tuning pegs.

History of Erhu

The erhu has a history spanning over 1,000 years, with its origins likely tracing back to instruments introduced to China from Central Asia during the Tang Dynasty. It became widely popular during the Song Dynasty and has evolved significantly over the centuries into the instrument known today. It is a staple in Chinese classical and folk music.