【Beijing, May 18, 2026】The highly anticipated Beijing Council 2026 Spring Art Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total transaction value of RMB 1.28 billion, with a high sell-through rate of 82.5%. Among them, the much-watched 'Glimmering Jadeite – Important Jadeite Carvings Special Session' performed exceptionally well, with a total transaction value exceeding RMB 350 million and a sell-through rate as high as 95%, becoming the biggest highlight of this spring auction. It also injected a strong shot in the arm for the currently somewhat sluggish art market.
This jadeite special session featured 35 exquisite lots, of which 28 were successfully sold. The leading lot, 'Imperial Green Jadeite Carving of Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Auspiciousness,' with its excellent transparency, rich color, and superb craftsmanship, started at RMB 80 million. After multiple rounds of fierce bidding, it finally hammered at an astonishing price of RMB 125 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate and setting an auction record for similar jadeite carvings in the past three years. Another 'Ice-Type Yang Green Jadeite Guanyin Standing Statue' also performed well, selling for RMB 48 million, a 37% premium over its estimate of RMB 35 million. In addition, many small and medium-sized jadeite carvings also showed strong market demand, with an average premium rate of over 25%, indicating collectors' continued pursuit of high-quality jadeite.
Mr. Zhang Hua, Deputy General Manager of Council Auction House and Head of the Jewelry and Watch Department, stated in an interview: "The success of this spring auction's jadeite carving special session is first due to our strict control over the quality of the lots and precise market positioning. We understand that in the current market environment, only top-tier jadeite that combines rarity, artistry, and potential for value preservation and appreciation can truly attract collectors. Secondly, it also reflects the gradual recovery of market confidence in high-end art investment. Especially high-net-worth individuals, driven by the demand for diversified asset allocation, have once again turned their attention to rare jadeite with stable value."
Professor Li Ming, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out that the excellent performance of jadeite carvings at this Council spring auction was not accidental but the result of multiple superimposed factors. He analyzed: "On the one hand, the uncertainty of the global economic situation makes investors more inclined to choose hard currencies with strong risk resistance, and top-tier jadeite, as a non-renewable resource, its scarcity determines its long-term value. On the other hand, with the revival of traditional Chinese culture and the improvement of aesthetic standards, jadeite carvings with profound cultural connotations and exquisite craftsmanship are increasingly favored by collectors. The record-breaking sale of the Imperial Green Jadeite carving will undoubtedly further boost market confidence and may trigger a new wave of jadeite collecting enthusiasm."
From the data, the sell-through rate and premium rate of this jadeite special session were significantly higher than other categories, indicating a very high market recognition for high-end jadeite. Although the overall art market is still in an adjustment period, the performance of top-tier lots has bucked the trend, showing a clear polarization. In the future, we expect high-quality, rare jadeite to continue its strong growth momentum, while ordinary quality jadeite may face greater market pressure. Collectors should pay more attention to the quality, provenance, and scarcity of the lots when investing to mitigate risks and achieve greater investment returns. The success of this Council spring auction undoubtedly set a positive tone for the 2026 art market, indicating that the high-end art market is expected to usher in a period of steady recovery.