> Source: https://www.openingbid.art/artist/cao-jianlou · updated 2026-11-02

# Cao Jianlou (1913–2005)

Cao Jianlou is a Chinese artist with 272 auction lots recorded since 2002, median price $701. Some sold prices are not yet verified as premium-inclusive or hammer, and are marked on this page.

A work by Cao Jianlou sold in 2025 for $800, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

## What is a Cao Jianlou work worth?

Across 229 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Cao Jianlou work is $701.

The median Cao Jianlou painting sells for $688 across 28 lots.

The median Cao Jianlou work on paper sells for $442 across 12 lots.

Some prices are not yet basis-verified (premium-inclusive or hammer).

## Price breakdown by category

| Category | Lots tracked | Median price | Record price | Sell-through | Last sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prints & Editions | 2 | — | — | — | 2019-04-14 |
| Paintings | 32 | $688‡ | $1,823‡ | 87.5% | 2023-06-10 |
| Works on Paper | 12 | $442‡ | $3,610‡ | — | 2025-08-10 |
| Photography | 3 | — | — | — | 2015-10-24 |

‡ reported price — whether it includes the buyer's premium is not yet verified.

## Price by size

### Paintings

| Size | Sold lots | Typical range (p25–p75) | Median | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| medium (50–120 cm) | 8 | $653–$767‡ | $688‡ | $1,823‡ |

‡ reported price — whether it includes the buyer's premium is not yet verified.

### Works on Paper

| Size | Sold lots | Typical range (p25–p75) | Median | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| medium (50–120 cm) | 7 | $388–$1,196‡ | $471‡ | $3,610‡ |

‡ reported price — whether it includes the buyer's premium is not yet verified.

Size is the work's longest edge. Cells appear only with at least 5 sold lots.

## Notable results

| Medium | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Works on Paper | 2021 | $3,610‡ |
| Paintings | 2012 | $1,823‡ |
| Works on Paper | 2019 | $1,592 |
| Paintings | 2023 | $963‡ |

‡ reported price — whether it includes the buyer's premium is not yet verified.

The highest recorded result in each medium. The full sale history is in the OpeningBid app (free sign-up).

## Frequently asked questions

### What is a Cao Jianlou worth?

Across 229 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Cao Jianlou work is $701. The median Cao Jianlou painting sells for $688 across 28 lots. The median Cao Jianlou work on paper sells for $442 across 12 lots. Some prices are not yet basis-verified (premium-inclusive or hammer).

### What is the average price of a Cao Jianlou painting?

Based on 28 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median auction price of a Cao Jianlou painting is $688. Some prices are not yet basis-verified (premium-inclusive or hammer).

### What is Cao Jianlou's most expensive painting?

The highest price recorded at auction for a Cao Jianlou painting is $1,823. Whether that record price includes the buyer's premium is not yet verified.

### What is the average price of a Cao Jianlou work on paper?

Based on 12 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median auction price of a Cao Jianlou work on paper is $442. Some prices are not yet basis-verified (premium-inclusive or hammer).

### What is Cao Jianlou's most expensive work on paper?

The highest price recorded at auction for a Cao Jianlou work on paper is $3,610. Whether that record price includes the buyer's premium is not yet verified.

### What is Cao Jianlou's auction record?

Cao Jianlou's auction record is $3,610, set in 2021. Whether that record price includes the buyer's premium is not yet verified.

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Data last updated 2026-11-02. OpeningBid tracks 15,390,829 auction lots from 577 auction houses, refreshed nightly.

Cite this page as: OpeningBid, “Cao Jianlou auction prices”, https://www.openingbid.art/artist/cao-jianlou (updated 2026-11-02).

Historical auction data, not investment advice. Prices are premium-inclusive USD where the buyer's premium is recorded. Figures marked † are hammer prices (buyer's premium not included); ‡ marks a price whose basis is not yet verified. Non-USD results are converted at the sale month's rate.