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

# Shen Congwen (1902–1988)

## What is Shen Congwen’s work worth? {#value}

As of 2 November 2026, OpeningBid has recorded 93 auction results for Shen Congwen at 14 houses since 2004. Over the last 24 months the median price was $5,604 including buyer’s premium (middle half $871–$8,805, n=12). The auction record is $97,441 for 草书诗卷 (2019, 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 | 草书诗卷, 1982 | 纸本 | $97,441 | China Guardian (中国嘉德) | Oct 2019 |
| 2 | Poems | Ink on paper, hanging scroll | $38,686 | Sotheby's | Oct 2014 |
| 3 | Calligraphy in Running Script, 1980 | Ink on paper | $35,000 | Bonhams | Sep 2015 |
| 4 | Tang Dynasty Miscellaneous Poems in Running Script | 水墨纸本 | $33,063 | Beijing Poly International Auction (北京保利国际拍卖) | Jul 2010 |
| 5 | A letter to Shi Zhecun, circa 1941 | Ink on paper, framed | $32,622 | Sotheby's | Oct 2026 |
| 6 | Calligraphy in Running Script, 1902 | Ink | $32,105 | Christie's | May 2022 |
| 7 | Poetry on Mount Jinggang, 1976 | Ink on paper, hanging scroll | $24,268 | Sotheby's | Apr 2023 |
| 8 | CALLIGRAPHY IN CAOSHU, 1980 | Ink on paper, framed | $24,173 | Sotheby's | Oct 2010 |
| 9 | Self-Composed Poem, 1975 | Ink on silk | $17,741 | Bonhams | Nov 2015 |
| 10 | 绿藻游鱼·行书《与山巨源绝交书》, 1943 | 成扇 (finished fan) | $17,438 | Beijing Ginza Auction (北京银座拍卖) | Jun 2024 |


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

| Medium | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Works on paper | 18 | $12,130 |
| Other | 14 | $5,604 |

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

| Size | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Medium (50-120 cm) | 12 | $13,156 |
| Small (under 50 cm) | 9 | $6,136 |

Data as of 2 November 2026 · Source: OpeningBid, 93 results from 14 houses · [How we compute these figures](https://www.openingbid.art/methodology/price-data)


Shen Congwen is a Chinese artist with 116 auction lots recorded since 2004, median price $8,059. Some sold prices are not yet verified as premium-inclusive or hammer, and are marked on this page.

A work by Shen Congwen sold in 2026 for $32,622, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

## What is a Shen Congwen work worth?

Across 93 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Shen Congwen work is $8,059.

The median Shen Congwen work on paper sells for $11,392 across 40 lots.

Medium (50–120 cm) Shen Congwen work on papers typically sell for $5,640–$18,314 (the middle half of 21 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Works on Paper | 41 | $11,392‡ | $74,111‡ | 97.6% | 2026-10-09 |
| Masterpieces (top of market) | 4 | $56,398‡ | $97,441 | — | 2020-10-17 |

‡ 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) | 8 | $3,561–$15,998‡ | $7,782‡ | $32,622 |
| medium (50–120 cm) | 21 | $5,640–$18,314‡ | $9,635‡ | $35,000 |

‡ 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 | 2014 | $74,111‡ |
| Works on Paper | 2014 | $38,686 |

‡ 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 Shen Congwen worth?

Across 93 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Shen Congwen work is $8,059. The median Shen Congwen work on paper sells for $11,392 across 40 lots. Medium (50–120 cm) Shen Congwen work on papers typically sell for $5,640–$18,314 (the middle half of 21 sold lots). Some prices are not yet basis-verified (premium-inclusive or hammer).

### What is the average price of a Shen Congwen work on paper?

Based on 40 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median auction price of a Shen Congwen work on paper is $11,392. Some prices are not yet basis-verified (premium-inclusive or hammer).

### What is Shen Congwen's most expensive work on paper?

The highest price recorded at auction for a Shen Congwen work on paper is $74,111. Whether that record price includes the buyer's premium is not yet verified.

### What is the average price of a medium Shen Congwen work on paper?

Based on 21 sold lots, the median auction price of a medium Shen Congwen work on paper (medium (50–120 cm)) is $9,635, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results. Some prices are not yet basis-verified (premium-inclusive or hammer).

### What is Shen Congwen's auction record?

Shen Congwen's auction record is $97,441, set in 2019.

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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, “Shen Congwen auction prices”, https://www.openingbid.art/artist/shen-congwen (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.