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

# Wen Yongchen (1922–1995)

## What is Wen Yongchen’s work worth? {#value}

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.

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

| # | 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 |


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

| Medium | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Works on paper | 49 | $4,597 |

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

| 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](https://www.openingbid.art/methodology/price-data)


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).

- [Wen Yongchen on OpeningBid](https://www.openingbid.art/artist/wen-yongchen?ref=kg:wen-yongchen) — follow free in the OpeningBid app for sale alerts.

## 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. The full sale history is in the OpeningBid app (free sign-up).

## 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.

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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, “Wen Yongchen auction prices”, https://www.openingbid.art/artist/wen-yongchen (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.