BEIJING, May 28, 2026 – The highly anticipated Beijing Council International 2026 Spring Art Auction concluded successfully yesterday. This spring sale featured “Jade Brilliance – Chinese Jade and Works of Art” as its core highlight, with fine Bi Yu jade pieces performing exceptionally well. They not only set several new transaction records but also demonstrated the strong resilience of the current art market and collectors' continued pursuit of high-quality jade.
Impressive Transaction Data, Fine Bi Yu Jade Leads the Way
The total transaction value of this spring auction reached RMB 820 million, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 82.5%, an increase of 15% compared to the same period last year. In the “Jade Brilliance” special session, Bi Yu jade lots were particularly outstanding, achieving a total transaction value of RMB 180 million, accounting for 45% of the session's total, and a sell-through rate as high as 92%.
Among them, a “Qianlong Period, Qing Dynasty, Bi Yu Jade Carved Taotie Pattern Beast-Ear Loose-Ring Square Vase,” estimated at RMB 28 million to 35 million, was hammered down at an astonishing price of RMB 52 million, with a premium rate of 85.7%, becoming the highest-priced lot of this auction. Another “Ming Dynasty Bi Yu Jade Carved Auspicious Beast Brush Pot” also sold for RMB 18.5 million, far exceeding its estimate of RMB 8 million to 12 million, representing an increase of 131%. In addition, many small and medium-sized Bi Yu jade pieces, such as Hetian Bi Yu bracelets and pendants, also performed well, with transaction prices generally exceeding estimates by more than 30%, indicating widespread market recognition for Bi Yu jade.
Market Analysis: Strong Demand for High-Quality Jade, Investment Value Highlights
Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry journalist and jade market analyst, pointed out: “The results of this Beijing Council International spring auction once again confirm the strong demand for high-quality, rare jade in the current art market. Especially against the backdrop of increasing global economic uncertainty, top-tier jade such as Bi Yu, which possesses both artistic value and preservation/appreciation attributes, is becoming a preferred choice for collectors' asset allocation. Imperial Bi Yu jade wares from the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, due to their superior material, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound historical and cultural value, have always been the focus of market pursuit.”
Mr. Li Ming further analyzed: “From the transaction data, it can be seen that Bi Yu jade not only performed excellently in the high-end market but also showed steady growth in the mid-to-low-end market. This indicates that the jade collecting community is expanding, and the aesthetic and value recognition of jade among younger generations of collectors is also increasing. In the coming years, we expect the market price of high-quality Bi Yu jade to continue its steady upward trend.”
Expert Commentary: Emphasizing Both Heritage and Innovation, Empowered by Cultural Value
Professor Wang, President of the China Jade Culture Research Association, stated in an interview: “The success of this auction is not only a recognition of the Bi Yu jade material itself but also an affirmation of traditional Chinese jade carving craftsmanship and cultural connotations. The transaction of the ‘Qianlong Period, Qing Dynasty, Bi Yu Jade Carved Taotie Pattern Beast-Ear Loose-Ring Square Vase’ fully reflects collectors' appreciation for historical heritage and artistic masterpieces. At the same time, we also see some contemporary jade carving works emerging in the auction, which indicates that while inheriting classics, the jade market is also actively embracing innovation, injecting new vitality into the market.”
Mr. Zhao, Executive Director and General Manager of Council International Auctions, said: “We are very satisfied with the results of this spring auction. The success of the Bi Yu special session is inseparable from our team's strict control over the origin of the lots and accurate judgment of market trends. In the future, we will continue to cultivate the jade market, committed to presenting more exquisite pieces to global collectors, and actively promoting the inheritance and development of Chinese jade culture.”
In summary, the Beijing Council International 2026 Spring Auction, led by fine Bi Yu jade, not only achieved remarkable sales results but also clearly outlined the positive trend of steady growth and value return in the current art market, especially in the field of jade collection. High-quality, rare, and culturally profound jade will continue to be a popular choice for art investment.