Beijing, May 18, 2026 – The highly anticipated Beijing Council International 2026 Spring Art Auction concluded successfully yesterday. The total transaction volume for this spring auction reached an impressive RMB 1.25 billion, with a sell-through rate of 82.5%. Among them, the 'Jade Brilliance – Important Jade Wares and Jewelry' special session stood out, achieving a total transaction volume of RMB 280 million and a sell-through rate of 91.3%, becoming the highlight of the auction. Exquisite Bi-Yu jade, in particular, demonstrated strong market demand and steady value growth.
In this spring auction, the Bi-Yu jade section presented 58 lots, with 53 ultimately sold, achieving a high sell-through rate of 91.4%. Notably, a 'Qianlong Period Bi-Yu Carved Archaic Taotie Pattern Chilong-handled Censer with Loose Rings,' distinguished by its exquisite craftsmanship and rare material, was fiercely contested through multiple bidding rounds, finally hammering at RMB 38 million. This significantly surpassed its pre-auction estimate of RMB 20-25 million, representing a premium rate of 52%. Another highly anticipated piece, a 'Mid-Qing Dynasty Bi-Yu Carved Mountain with Scholars under Pine Trees,' sold for RMB 15 million, an increase of 50% from its estimate of RMB 8-10 million. Overall, the average premium rate for Bi-Yu jade lots in this auction reached 28.7%, indicating collectors' sustained pursuit of high-quality Bi-Yu jade.
Li Ming, a Chinese gemstone market analyst, stated, 'The outstanding performance of the Bi-Yu jade section in this Council International spring auction once again confirms the resilience and growth potential of the high-end jade market. Amidst increasing global economic uncertainties, Bi-Yu jade, which combines artistic value, cultural significance, and rarity, is becoming an important safe-haven asset and investment target. Especially Qing Dynasty imperial-grade Bi-Yu jade artifacts, due to their limited existence and superb craftsmanship, have long been a strong currency in the market.'
From a market trend perspective, the value of Bi-Yu jade is showing a polarized trend. On one hand, top-tier Bi-Yu jade with perfect condition, fine texture, and exquisite carving continues to command higher prices, repeatedly setting new records. On the other hand, ordinary quality Bi-Yu jade shows relatively stable market performance, or even some adjustments. This indicates that collectors and investors are becoming increasingly discerning about the quality and artistic value of jade, and the market is becoming more rational.
Zhang Hua, a senior auction house expert, pointed out, 'The premium rates for Bi-Yu jade in this auction were generally high, especially for pieces with clear historical provenance or imperial backgrounds, which were more favored. This reflects that while collectors pursue the material itself, they are also increasingly focusing on its cultural added value and historical narrative. We anticipate that in the coming years, high-quality, storied, and well-provenanced Bi-Yu jade masterpieces will continue to see steady market value growth, while Bi-Yu jade lacking distinctive features or of ordinary quality may face market challenges.'
Looking ahead, with the resurgence of traditional Chinese culture and the continuous growth of national wealth, the jade market, particularly Bi-Yu jade as a category combining aesthetic and investment value, will remain active. However, the market will also place greater emphasis on quality, rarity, and cultural significance. For collectors, in-depth research and careful selection will be key to ensuring investment returns. The success of Beijing Council International's spring auction has undoubtedly injected a strong boost into the 2026 art market and pointed the way for the future development of the Bi-Yu jade market.