Wu Guandai (1862–1929)
What is Wu Guandai’s work worth?
As of 2 November 2026, OpeningBid has recorded 151 auction results for Wu Guandai at 19 houses since 1995. Over the last 24 months the median price was $1,441 including buyer’s premium (middle half $522–$2,563, n=8). The auction record is $28,185 for 为有源头活水来 草书七言诗 (2013, China Guardian (中国嘉德)). Source: OpeningBid, an independent auction-results database.
| # | Work | Medium | Price | House | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 为有源头活水来 草书七言诗 | 纸本 | $28,185 | China Guardian (中国嘉德) | Sep 2013 |
| 2 | Four Scenes of Flowers and Birds, 1910 | Hanging scroll | $18,285 | Poly Auction Hong Kong (保利香港拍賣) | May 2015 |
| 3 | Travellers by the Cliff, 1862 | Ink | $15,221 | Christie's | Nov 2017 |
| 4 | Songfeng · Shufa | 设色纸本 | $14,317 | Beijing Poly International Auction (北京保利国际拍卖) | Jun 2016 |
| 5 | Zhong Kui Hui Fa, 1920年作 | 设色纸本 | $14,099 | Beijing Poly International Auction (北京保利国际拍卖) | Apr 2011 |
| 6 | Deer, 1918 | Ink on paper, hanging scroll | $13,072 | Sotheby's | Jun 2026 |
| 7 | 渔家乐, 1917年作 | 设色纸本 | $12,706 | Beijing Poly International Auction (北京保利国际拍卖) | Dec 2014 |
| 8 | Songxi Diaoyue Tu | 设色纸本 | $9,440 | Beijing Poly International Auction (北京保利国际拍卖) | Dec 2013 |
| 9 | 危崖风帆图 | Hanging scroll | $8,848 | China Sungari International Auction (中贸圣佳国际拍卖) | Dec 2005 |
| 10 | 吴观岱 花鸟 四屏立轴 | Hanging scroll | $6,366 | Poly Auction Hong Kong (保利香港拍賣) | May 2016 |
| Medium | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Other | 27 | $4,064 |
| Works on paper | 10 | $3,550 |
| Paintings | 6 | $2,025 |
| Size | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Large (over 120 cm) | 13 | $5,237 |
| Medium (50-120 cm) | 10 | $3,508 |
Data as of 2 November 2026 · Source: OpeningBid, 151 results from 19 houses · How we compute these figures
Wu Guandai is a Chinese artist with 192 auction lots recorded since 1995, median price $3,398. Some sold prices are not yet verified as premium-inclusive or hammer, and are marked on this page.
A work by Wu Guandai sold in 2026 for $3,886, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.
See the full Wu Guandai record on OpeningBid — images, provenance, fair estimates and free sale alerts.
View Wu Guandai on OpeningBid →What is a Wu Guandai work worth?
Across 151 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Wu Guandai work is $3,398.
The median Wu Guandai work on paper sells for $2,658 across 17 lots.
The median Wu Guandai painting sells for $3,419 across 14 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paintings | 15 | $3,419‡ | $12,706 | 93.3% | 2023-07-10 |
| Works on Paper | 20 | $2,658‡ | $15,221 | 85% | 2026-08-04 |
| Masterpieces (top of market) | 4 | $29,067‡ | $35,496 | — | 2013-09-15 |
‡ 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| medium (50–120 cm) | 8 | $1,050–$3,666‡ | $2,749‡ | $5,434‡ |
| large (over 120 cm) | 8 | $1,229–$5,884‡ | $2,658‡ | $15,221 |
‡ 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 | 2017 | $15,221 |
| Works on Paper | 2026 | $13,072 |
| Paintings | 2014 | $12,706 |
| Paintings | 2021 | $10,513 |
The highest recorded result in each medium. See the full sale history on OpeningBid.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Wu Guandai worth?
Across 151 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Wu Guandai work is $3,398. The median Wu Guandai work on paper sells for $2,658 across 17 lots. The median Wu Guandai painting sells for $3,419 across 14 lots. Some prices are not yet basis-verified (premium-inclusive or hammer).
What is the average price of a Wu Guandai work on paper?
Based on 17 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median auction price of a Wu Guandai work on paper is $2,658. Some prices are not yet basis-verified (premium-inclusive or hammer).
What is Wu Guandai's most expensive work on paper?
The highest price recorded at auction for a Wu Guandai work on paper is $15,221.
What is the average price of a Wu Guandai painting?
Based on 14 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median auction price of a Wu Guandai painting is $3,419. Some prices are not yet basis-verified (premium-inclusive or hammer).
What is Wu Guandai's most expensive painting?
The highest price recorded at auction for a Wu Guandai painting is $12,706.
What is Wu Guandai's auction record?
Wu Guandai's auction record is $35,585, set in 2011. Whether that record price includes the buyer's premium is not yet verified.
See the full Wu Guandai record on OpeningBid — images, provenance, fair estimates and free sale alerts.
View Wu Guandai on OpeningBid →