BEIJING, May 15, 2026 – The highly anticipated China Guardian 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total turnover of RMB 3.25 billion, with an impressive sell-through rate of 82.3%, marking a 15.7% increase from the same period last year. The jade ware specialist sale was particularly outstanding, with a total turnover exceeding RMB 280 million and a sell-through rate of 91.5%. A series of exquisite Hetian jade carvings became the highlight of this auction, with their high premium sales not only showcasing the collection value of top-tier jade but also signaling that the high-end art market is gradually emerging from its adjustment period, exhibiting a strong recovery trend.
The star lot of this auction was undoubtedly a Hetian jade pebble mountain carving titled “Mountain and Water Serenity.” This piece, weighing approximately 12 kilograms, boasts a warm and delicate texture, first-grade whiteness, and exquisite craftsmanship, vividly depicting the artistic conception of rolling mountains and misty clouds. After multiple rounds of fierce bidding, it finally sold for a staggering RMB 88 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of RMB 50 million, with a premium rate of 76%. Another piece, a “Auspicious Beast” Hetian jade plaque, with its unique skin color and intricate carving, sold for RMB 12 million, an increase of 40% from its estimate. In addition, several small and medium-sized Hetian jade hand-pieces and pendants also performed well, generally selling at prices 20% to 50% above their estimates, demonstrating strong market demand for high-quality Hetian jade.
Mr. Zhang Ming, Vice President of China Guardian Auctions and Head of the Jade Department, stated in an interview: “The excellent performance of the Hetian jade specialist sale in this spring auction, especially the premium sales of several heavyweight lots, fully illustrates that the market’s recognition of rare, high-quality Hetian jade is returning. Collectors are increasingly demanding in terms of jade quality, craftsmanship, and cultural connotation, which drives us to continuously raise our consignment standards.”
From a market analysis perspective, the auction results confirm our previous judgment that the high-end jade market would gradually recover. In recent years, influenced by macroeconomic fluctuations and shifts in market aesthetics, the jade market experienced a period of adjustment. However, with the stabilization and improvement of the economic situation, and the deepening understanding of the value of traditional cultural artworks among collectors, the scarcity and value-preserving attributes of top-tier Hetian jade have once again become prominent. Especially those fine pieces with renowned carvers, unique cultural connotations, and perfect jade quality are expected to see their market value continue to rise.
Professor Li Hua, a renowned jade connoisseur and industry commentator, pointed out: “Hetian jade, as a treasure of Chinese traditional culture, its market value is not only reflected in the material itself but also in the cultural heritage and artistic value it carries. The success of this Guardian spring auction has injected a strong boost into the entire jade market. We see that collectors are paying more attention to the cultural attributes and artistry of jade, rather than merely the accumulation of materials. In the future, Hetian jade works with innovative design, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound cultural connotations will be more favored by the market.”
Looking ahead, we anticipate that the high-end Hetian jade market will continue to maintain steady growth. On one hand, high-quality Hetian jade resources are becoming increasingly scarce, and the supply-demand imbalance will further intensify; on the other hand, with the rise of a new generation of collectors, their aesthetic and collecting philosophies for jade will become more diversified, which will drive the jade art market to develop at a deeper level. Collectors are advised to focus on jade quality, craftsmanship, cultural connotation, and the provenance of the works when investing in Hetian jade, avoiding blind following and investing rationally.
The success of China Guardian 2026 Spring Auction has undoubtedly instilled confidence in the global art market and painted a broader prospect for the future development of Chinese traditional cultural artworks.