This flute has six finger holes and two holes drilled through the cylinder.
There are two inscriptions in the upper half above the finger holes, and below, indicating the maker 古平溪鄭芝山精制 [Exquisitely made by Zheng Zhishan of Gupingxi]. On the back is also inscribed 任邦哲敬贈 [Respectfully gifted by Ren Bangzhe (1909-2001, Biochemist]. Zheng Zhishan was a renowned craftsman born in 1804.
The flute may be an imitation, though Joseph Needham and Ren Bangzhe met in Sichuan at the buildings of the Shanghai Medical College in April 1943 (see photographs NRI2/10/1/1/1/9/10, 11, 13).
Dorothy Needham also met him on Saturday 20 March 1944 in Chongqing, when he gave her a silver dragon broach from his wife (see https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-GIRTON-PP-NEEDHAM-00005-00001-00001/22).