【Beijing, May 18, 2026】 The highly anticipated China Guardian 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday. The total transaction volume of this spring auction reached RMB 3.25 billion, with a high transaction rate of 82.3%, an increase of 15% compared to the same period last year, indicating a strong overall recovery in the art market. Among them, the contemporary jade carving sector performed particularly well, becoming the biggest highlight of this auction.

This spring auction featured over 200 exquisite contemporary jade carvings, covering various materials such as Hetian jade, jadeite, and Nanhong agate. The works showcased diverse styles, including both exquisite interpretations of traditional themes and innovative modern masterpieces. Ultimately, the total transaction volume of the contemporary jade carving sector exceeded RMB 280 million, with a transaction rate as high as 91.5%, far exceeding expectations. This data not only set a new single-session record for China Guardian's contemporary jade carving auctions but also injected strong confidence into the entire jade art market.

Analysis of Key Lot Transaction Data:

* White Jade Seed Material 'Auspicious Beast' Ornament (by Master Wu Desheng): Hammered at RMB 28.5 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of RMB 18-22 million, with an increase of 29.5%, becoming the 'star lot' in the contemporary jade carving sector. The piece features superior material, delicate and warm jade, and exquisite carving, fully demonstrating Master Wu Desheng's profound skill in traditional auspicious beast themes.
* Biyu Jade 'Mountain and River Clear Sound' Screen (by Master Yang Xi): Ultimately sold for RMB 12.8 million, with an estimate of RMB 8-10 million, an increase of 28%. The work, themed with profound landscape, features clever composition and rich carving layers, reflecting breakthroughs in artistic expression in contemporary jade carving.
* Hetian Jade Seed Material 'Guanyin' Pendant (by Master Cui Lei): Sold for RMB 6.5 million, with an estimate of RMB 3.5-4.5 million, a significant increase of 44.4%. Small exquisite pieces also attracted collectors' pursuit, with their ingenious design and delicate carving being key to their high prices.
* Jadeite 'Longevity and Prosperity' Bracelet: Sold for RMB 18 million, with an estimate of RMB 12-15 million, an increase of 20%. The scarcity of high-quality jadeite and its stable market demand ensure its strong competitiveness.

Market Analysis and Trend Judgment:

The outstanding performance of the contemporary jade carving sector in this China Guardian Spring Auction is not accidental. Mr. Li Ming, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out: "In recent years, with the steady development of the domestic economy and the enhancement of cultural confidence, high-end art investment has gradually become an important part of wealth allocation. Contemporary jade carving, as a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, its artistic and collection value are increasingly recognized. Especially master-level works, their scarcity and irreplicability determine their long-term potential for value preservation and appreciation."

From the results of this auction, the market shows strong interest in the following types of contemporary jade carvings:

  • Works by renowned masters: Master-level works with clear heritage and artistic style are the primary factors collectors pursue for their brand effect and artistic value.

  • Combination of high-quality raw materials and exquisite craftsmanship: The rarity of the material and the exquisiteness of the carving are core elements determining the value of a work.

  • Integration of innovative themes and traditional artistic conception: Innovative works that can embody the essence of traditional culture while incorporating modern aesthetic elements are more favored by younger collectors.


Ms. Wang Fang, Vice President of China Guardian Auctions and General Manager of the Jade and Crafts Department, stated: "The success of the contemporary jade carving sector in this spring auction further confirms our market judgment. We see that the collector base is maturing, and their appreciation and investment insights into jade art are continuously improving. In the future, we will continue to deeply cultivate this field, discover more promising excellent works, and provide more professional services to collectors."

Looking ahead, with China's sustained economic growth and upgrading cultural consumption, the contemporary jade carving market is expected to usher in broader development space. High-quality contemporary jade carvings with cultural connotations and artistic value will continue to be 'hard currency' in the art investment market. At the same time, the market will pay more attention to the originality, artistry, and cultural nature of the works, rather than just the rarity of the materials. It is expected that in the next few years, the trend of refinement and branding of contemporary jade carving will become more apparent, and the market will show a healthy and steady growth trend.