Wen Yongchen (1922–1995)
What is Wen Yongchen’s work worth?
As of 2 November 2026, OpeningBid has recorded 54 auction results for Wen Yongchen at 4 houses since 2003. Over the last 24 months the median price was $897 including buyer’s premium (middle half $232–$1,084, n=5). The auction record is $25,000 for A Hundred Boys (2019, Christie's). Source: OpeningBid, an independent auction-results database.
| # | Work | Medium | Price | House | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Hundred Boys, 1922 | Ink | $25,000 | Christie's | Mar 2019 |
| 2 | Peony and Butterflies, 1922 | Ink | $19,248 | Christie's | May 2017 |
| 3 | Calligraphy of the Tianshan Tune, 1922 | Ink on paper | $17,728 | Bonhams | Nov 2016 |
| 4 | Sparrows and Plum Blossoms, 1922 | Ink | $15,319 | Christie's | Dec 2020 |
| 5 | Water-Breathing Dragon, 1922 | Scroll, mounted and framed, ink and colour on gold paper | $14,511 | Christie's | Nov 2005 |
| 6 | Water-Breathing Dragon, 1988 | Scroll, mounted and framed, ink and colour on gold paper | $14,440 | Christie's | Nov 2021 |
| 7 | Children Flying Kites, 1922 | Ink | $13,634 | Christie's | May 2017 |
| 8 | Elegant Gathering in the Western Garden, 1978 | Ink and colour on paper | $12,096 | Bonhams | Nov 2015 |
| 9 | Guanyin, 1988 | Ink and colour on paper | $11,447 | Bonhams | Dec 2021 |
| 10 | Goddess of Compassion, 1922 | Ink on paper | $9,613 | Bonhams | Nov 2017 |
| Medium | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Works on paper | 49 | $4,597 |
| Size | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Large (over 120 cm) | 11 | $7,665 |
| Medium (50-120 cm) | 39 | $4,375 |
Data as of 2 November 2026 · Source: OpeningBid, 54 results from 4 houses · How we compute these figures
Wen Yongchen is an artist with 62 auction lots recorded since 2003, median price $4,597.
A work by Wen Yongchen sold in 2023 for $8,832, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.
2 Wen Yongchen works are coming to auction (as of 2026-11-02). Follow Wen Yongchen free on OpeningBid for sale alerts.
See the full Wen Yongchen record on OpeningBid — images, provenance, fair estimates and free sale alerts.
View Wen Yongchen on OpeningBid →What is a Wen Yongchen work worth?
Across 54 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Wen Yongchen work is $4,597.
The median Wen Yongchen work on paper sells for $4,500 across 48 lots.
The median Wen Yongchen painting sells for $3,831 across 1 lots.
Medium (50–120 cm) Wen Yongchen work on papers typically sell for $1,720–$5,667 (the middle half of 36 sold lots).
Price breakdown by category
| Category | Lots tracked | Median price | Record price | Sell-through | Last sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paintings | 1 | $3,831 | $3,831 | — | 2024-04-09 |
| Works on Paper | 54 | $4,500 | $25,000 | 88.9% | 2025-08-20 |
| Masterpieces (top of market) | 3 | $19,248 | $25,000 | — | 2019-03-19 |
Price by size
Works on Paper
| Size | Sold lots | Typical range (p25–p75) | Median | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| medium (50–120 cm) | 36 | $1,720–$5,667 | $4,031 | $14,511 |
| large (over 120 cm) | 10 | $4,850–$17,126 | $9,881 | $25,000 |
Size is the work's longest edge. Cells appear only with at least 5 sold lots.
Notable results
| Medium | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Works on Paper | 2019 | $25,000 |
| Works on Paper | 2017 | $19,248 |
| Paintings | 2024 | $3,831 |
The highest recorded result in each medium. See the full sale history on OpeningBid.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Wen Yongchen worth?
Across 54 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Wen Yongchen work is $4,597. The median Wen Yongchen work on paper sells for $4,500 across 48 lots. The median Wen Yongchen painting sells for $3,831 across 1 lots. Medium (50–120 cm) Wen Yongchen work on papers typically sell for $1,720–$5,667 (the middle half of 36 sold lots).
What is the average price of a Wen Yongchen work on paper?
Based on 48 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median auction price of a Wen Yongchen work on paper is $4,500.
What is Wen Yongchen's most expensive work on paper?
The highest price recorded at auction for a Wen Yongchen work on paper is $25,000.
What is the average price of a medium Wen Yongchen work on paper?
Based on 36 sold lots, the median auction price of a medium Wen Yongchen work on paper (medium (50–120 cm)) is $4,031, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.
What is the average price of a large Wen Yongchen work on paper?
Based on 10 sold lots, the median auction price of a large Wen Yongchen work on paper (large (over 120 cm)) is $9,881, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.
What is Wen Yongchen's auction record?
Wen Yongchen's auction record is $25,000, set in 2019.
See the full Wen Yongchen record on OpeningBid — images, provenance, fair estimates and free sale alerts.
View Wen Yongchen on OpeningBid →