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

# Qian Zhongshu (1910–1998)

## What is Qian Zhongshu’s work worth? {#value}

As of 2 November 2026, OpeningBid has recorded 85 auction results for Qian Zhongshu at 11 houses since 1999. Over the last 24 months the median price was $9,862 including buyer’s premium (middle half $8,665–$11,271, n=51). The auction record is $63,400 for Ye Shi Ji (2025, China Guardian (中国嘉德)). Source: OpeningBid, an independent auction-results database.

**Top auction records: paintings, drawings & sculpture**

| # | Work | Medium | Price | House | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ye Shi Ji | 硬笔纸本 | $63,400 | China Guardian (中国嘉德) | Oct 2025 |
| 2 | Letters to Jiang Deming | 水墨纸本 | $30,097 | China Guardian (中国嘉德) | Mar 2025 |
| 3 | Letter to Mr. Li Guoqiang | 水墨纸本 | $22,542 | China Guardian (中国嘉德) | Oct 2025 |
| 4 | Letters to Jiang Deming | 水墨纸本 | $20,593 | China Guardian (中国嘉德) | Mar 2025 |
| 5 | 钱钟书 杨绛 1982年作 书法 （二帧） 镜心（二通二页）, 1982 | 水墨纸本 | $18,315 | China Guardian (中国嘉德) | Oct 2025 |
| 6 | Qian Zhongshu Letter 镜心 | Ink on paper mounted | $16,132 | Beijing Poly International Auction (北京保利国际拍卖) | Jul 2026 |
| 7 | Letters to Jiang Deming | 水墨纸本 | $15,841 | China Guardian (中国嘉德) | Mar 2025 |
| 8 | Three pages of handwritten letters to Ma Jiaju | Manuscript | $15,201 | Beijing Poly International Auction (北京保利国际拍卖) | Jan 2014 |
| 9 | Letter to Mr. Li Guoqiang | 水墨纸本 | $14,089 | China Guardian (中国嘉德) | Oct 2025 |
| 10 | Letter to Mr. Li Guoqiang | 水墨纸本 | $11,975 | China Guardian (中国嘉德) | Oct 2025 |


**Median price by medium (last 24 months, n ≥ 5)**

| Medium | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Other | 52 | $9,862 |

**Median price by size (last 24 months, n ≥ 5)**

| Size | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 50 cm) | 50 | $9,862 |

Data as of 2 November 2026 · Source: OpeningBid, 85 results from 11 houses · [How we compute these figures](https://www.openingbid.art/methodology/price-data)


Qian Zhongshu is a Chinese artist with 100 auction lots recorded since 1999, median price $9,580. Some sold prices are not yet verified as premium-inclusive or hammer, and are marked on this page.

A work by Qian Zhongshu sold in 2026 for $16,132, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

## What is a Qian Zhongshu work worth?

Across 85 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Qian Zhongshu work is $9,580.

The median Qian Zhongshu work on paper sells for $9,862 across 47 lots.

The median Qian Zhongshu print sells for $727 across 3 lots.

Small (under 50 cm) Qian Zhongshu work on papers typically sell for $9,158–$11,271 (the middle half of 43 sold 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 | 3 | $727‡ | $774‡ | — | 2023-03-27 |
| Works on Paper | 48 | $9,862 | $30,097 | 97.9% | 2026-07-20 |
| Masterpieces (top of market) | 4 | $46,748‡ | $91,855‡ | — | 2025-10-07 |

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

## Price by size

### Works on Paper

| Size | Sold lots | Typical range (p25–p75) | Median | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| small (under 50 cm) | 43 | $9,158–$11,271 | $9,862 | $22,542 |

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

## Notable results

| Medium | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Works on Paper | 2025 | $30,097 |
| Works on Paper | 2025 | $22,542 |
| Prints & Editions | 2021 | $774‡ |
| Prints & Editions | 2023 | $727‡ |

‡ 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 Qian Zhongshu worth?

Across 85 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Qian Zhongshu work is $9,580. The median Qian Zhongshu work on paper sells for $9,862 across 47 lots. The median Qian Zhongshu print sells for $727 across 3 lots. Small (under 50 cm) Qian Zhongshu work on papers typically sell for $9,158–$11,271 (the middle half of 43 sold lots). Some prices are not yet basis-verified (premium-inclusive or hammer).

### What is the average price of a Qian Zhongshu work on paper?

Based on 47 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median auction price of a Qian Zhongshu work on paper is $9,862.

### What is Qian Zhongshu's most expensive work on paper?

The highest price recorded at auction for a Qian Zhongshu work on paper is $30,097.

### What is the average price of a small Qian Zhongshu work on paper?

Based on 43 sold lots, the median auction price of a small Qian Zhongshu work on paper (small (under 50 cm)) is $9,862, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

### What is Qian Zhongshu's auction record?

Qian Zhongshu's auction record is $91,855, set in 2009. 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, “Qian Zhongshu auction prices”, https://www.openingbid.art/artist/qian-zhongshu (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.