> Source: https://www.openingbid.art/artist/yu-yu-jen · updated 2026-11-01

# Yü Yu-jen (1879–1964)

## What is Yü Yu-jen’s work worth? {#value}

As of 2 November 2026, OpeningBid has recorded 46 auction results for Yü Yu-jen at 2 houses since 2006. Over the last 24 months the median price was $5,391 including buyer’s premium (middle half $2,454–$8,475, n=8). The auction record is $79,845 for Calligraphy Couplet in Running Script (2018, Bonhams). Source: OpeningBid, an independent auction-results database.

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

| # | Work | Medium | Price | House | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calligraphy Couplet in Running Script, 1970 | Book | $79,845 | Bonhams | Oct 2018 |
| 2 | Calligraphy in Running Script, 1879 | Calligraphy | $31,948 | Bonhams | Oct 2019 |
| 3 | Calligraphy Couplet in Regular Script, 1879 | Ink | $28,839 | Bonhams | Nov 2017 |
| 4 | Five-character Calligraphy Couplet, 1879 | Hanging scrolls | $25,991 | Christie's | May 2025 |
| 5 | Calligraphy Couplet in Running Script, 1879 | Ink on paper | $19,435 | Bonhams | Jul 2020 |
| 6 | Calligraphy in Running Style, 1914 | Ceramic | $18,526 | Bonhams | May 2019 |
| 7 | Couplet of Calligraphy, 1879 | Ink on paper | $16,115 | Bonhams | Nov 2014 |
| 8 | Calligraphy Couplet, 1879 | Ink on paper | $15,313 | Bonhams | May 2015 |
| 9 | Calligraphic Couplet, 1879 | Hanging scrolls | $15,000 | Christie's | Mar 2016 |
| 10 | Calligraphy, 1879 | Scroll, mounted on wooden board and framed, ink on paper | $13,750 | Christie's | Mar 2016 |


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

| Medium | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Works on paper | 44 | $7,574 |

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

| Size | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Large (over 120 cm) | 21 | $9,655 |
| Medium (50-120 cm) | 21 | $7,468 |

Data as of 2 November 2026 · Source: OpeningBid, 46 results from 2 houses · [How we compute these figures](https://www.openingbid.art/methodology/price-data)


Yü Yu-jen is a Chinese artist with 85 auction lots recorded since 2006, median price $7,863.

A work by Yü Yu-jen sold in 2025 for $8,288, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

## What is a Yü Yu-jen work worth?

Across 46 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Yü Yu-jen work is $7,863.

The median Yü Yu-jen work on paper sells for $7,574 across 40 lots.

Medium (50–120 cm) Yü Yu-jen work on papers typically sell for $3,793–$9,681 (the middle half of 20 sold lots).

## Price breakdown by category

| Category | Lots tracked | Median price | Record price | Sell-through | Last sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Works on Paper | 74 | $7,574 | $28,839 | 54.1% | 2025-09-16 |
| Masterpieces (top of market) | 3 | $31,948 | $79,845 | — | 2019-10-09 |

## Price by size

### Works on Paper

| Size | Sold lots | Typical range (p25–p75) | Median | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| medium (50–120 cm) | 20 | $3,793–$9,681 | $6,958 | $16,115 |
| large (over 120 cm) | 16 | $5,552–$15,078 | $9,347 | $28,839 |

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 | $28,839 |
| Works on Paper | 2025 | $25,991 |

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 Yü Yu-jen worth?

Across 46 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Yü Yu-jen work is $7,863. The median Yü Yu-jen work on paper sells for $7,574 across 40 lots. Medium (50–120 cm) Yü Yu-jen work on papers typically sell for $3,793–$9,681 (the middle half of 20 sold lots).

### What is the average price of a Yü Yu-jen work on paper?

Based on 40 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median auction price of a Yü Yu-jen work on paper is $7,574.

### What is Yü Yu-jen's most expensive work on paper?

The highest price recorded at auction for a Yü Yu-jen work on paper is $28,839.

### What is the average price of a medium Yü Yu-jen work on paper?

Based on 20 sold lots, the median auction price of a medium Yü Yu-jen work on paper (medium (50–120 cm)) is $6,958, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

### What is the average price of a large Yü Yu-jen work on paper?

Based on 16 sold lots, the median auction price of a large Yü Yu-jen work on paper (large (over 120 cm)) is $9,347, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

### What is Yü Yu-jen's auction record?

Yü Yu-jen's auction record is $79,845, set in 2018.

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Data last updated 2026-11-01. OpeningBid tracks 15,222,099 auction lots from 571 auction houses, refreshed nightly.

Cite this page as: OpeningBid, “Yü Yu-jen auction prices”, https://www.openingbid.art/artist/yu-yu-jen (updated 2026-11-01).

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.