【Hong Kong, May 15, 2026】Christie's Hong Kong Spring 2026 Auctions concluded successfully yesterday. The highly anticipated 'Jade Rhythms: Ancient Jade Pendants' specialist sale performed exceptionally well, achieving a staggering total of HK$128 million, significantly exceeding its pre-sale estimate of HK$85 million. With a sell-through rate of 92.5% and an average premium rate of 35%, the sale once again affirmed the robust growth momentum of the ancient jade pendant market and collectors' high appreciation for exquisite pieces.
The specialist sale presented 80 meticulously selected ancient jade pendants from various historical periods, spanning from the Neolithic age to the Qing Dynasty. Among them, a Western Han white jade pendant with dragon and phoenix motifs, estimated at HK$15 million to HK$20 million, was hammered at HK$32 million, reaching an impressive HK$38.4 million with buyer's premium, representing a 92% premium over its upper estimate. This jade pendant, with its warm jade quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and lively dragon and phoenix motifs, perfectly embodies the imperial grandeur of the Han Dynasty. Another Song Dynasty celadon jade openwork pendant with floral and bird motifs, estimated at HK$8 million to HK$12 million, ultimately sold for HK$18.5 million, a 54% premium, showcasing the unique charm of literati jade from the Song era.
From the data, this sale not only achieved a high sell-through rate but also saw numerous high-premium lots, especially well-preserved and well-provenanced masterpieces, often triggering multiple bidding rounds. For instance, several imperial jade pendants from the Ming and Qing dynasties generally sold for over 50% above their estimates. This indicates that in the current complex economic environment, top-tier artworks, especially ancient jades with cultural heritage and scarcity, remain the preferred choice for collectors seeking value preservation and appreciation.
Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: "The success of Christie's Spring 2026 ancient jade pendant sale is not accidental. In recent years, global high-net-worth individuals have shown increasing interest in traditional Chinese culture. Ancient jade, as an important carrier of Chinese civilization, its artistic, historical, and cultural values are being re-examined and highly recognized. Especially those ancient jade pendants with superior jade quality, exquisite craftsmanship, auspicious themes, and clear provenance, their market prices have shown a steady upward trend. This auction further solidified the position of ancient jade pendants in the high-end art market."
Mr. Jonathan Stone, Chairman of Christie's Asia and International Director, stated: "We are very pleased with the performance of this ancient jade pendant sale. This not only reflects our team's efforts in consignment and marketing but, more importantly, it demonstrates the deep passion and sustained confidence of global collectors in the art of ancient Chinese jade. In the future, we will continue to delve deeper into this field, bringing more rare and unique ancient jade pendants to collectors."
Looking ahead, with the continuous development of the Chinese economy and the enhancement of cultural confidence, the market demand for ancient jade pendants is expected to remain robust. Industry experts generally believe that the prices of exquisite ancient jade pendants still have significant room for appreciation, especially in the international collection market, where their value-洼地 (value depression) effect will gradually emerge. Simultaneously, the interest of younger generation collectors in ancient jades is gradually being cultivated, which will inject new vitality into the market. However, collectors should still pay attention to the authenticity, condition, and provenance of jade pieces when investing, to avoid potential risks.