【Beijing, November 20, 2026】China Guardian's 2026 Autumn Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total turnover of RMB 2.85 billion, a 15.3% increase compared to the same period last year, with a strong sell-through rate of 82.5%, significantly boosting market confidence. The highlight of this autumn auction was undoubtedly the 'Master Collections' series of special sales, whose outstanding performance was a key driver of overall growth.
This autumn auction featured 35 special sales, covering various categories including Chinese painting and calligraphy, porcelain and jade, Buddhist statues and bronze censers, rare books, stamps and coins, and jewelry and watches. Among them, the 'Grand View – Night of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Treasures' special sale led the entire auction with a turnover of RMB 1.28 billion and a sell-through rate as high as 91.2%. Particularly noteworthy were several exquisite painting and calligraphy pieces from well-known collectors' former collections, which repeatedly set new highs amidst fierce bidding.
Featured Lots and Transaction Data:
* Qi Baishi's 'Twelve Landscape Screens': As the 'grand finale' of this autumn auction, this set of monumental works from Qi Baishi's later years, originally from the collection of the famous Republican-era collector Zhang Zongxian, hammered down at an astonishing RMB 450 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate (estimate: RMB 320-380 million), becoming the highest-priced lot of the season. Its transaction price increased by approximately 18% compared to similar works five years ago.
* Fu Baoshi's 'Lady Xiang': This masterpiece by Fu Baoshi in his prime, with a clear provenance and multiple publications, ultimately sold for RMB 180 million, a 25% increase from its price when last auctioned in 2018, demonstrating the strong value preservation and appreciation potential of top modern and contemporary painting and calligraphy.
* Qianlong Imperial White Jade 'Blessings and Longevity' Vase with Loose-Ring Handles, Qing Dynasty: This imperial jade artifact, from an overseas private collection, features exquisite craftsmanship and perfect condition, selling for RMB 85 million, setting a new auction record for similar Qianlong-era white jade pieces in the past five years. Its transaction price was 21.4% higher than its estimate (RMB 60-70 million).
* Xuande Blue and White 'Scrolling Lotus' Large Dish, Ming Dynasty: This rare porcelain piece, with clear provenance and once part of an important Japanese tea ceremony family collection, sold for RMB 62 million, a 12.7% premium over its estimate (RMB 45-55 million).
Market Analysis and Trend Judgment:
The success of China Guardian's autumn auction clearly signals a steady recovery in market confidence. Firstly, the brand effect and scarcity of 'Master Collections' remain core factors attracting top collectors. High-quality pieces with clear provenance and extensive documentation consistently hold their value, or even appreciate against market trends, regardless of the market environment. This indicates a rational return of collectors to art investment, with a greater focus on the artistic, historical, and cultural value of works.
Secondly, the performance of high-priced lots was particularly outstanding, demonstrating the resilience of purchasing power in the high-end market. Despite global economic uncertainties, top-tier art as a tool for wealth allocation and asset hedging remains attractive. At the same time, the mid-to-low end market also showed active momentum, with the increased sell-through rate proving the recovery of market breadth.
Thirdly, the integrated online and offline auction model is maturing. Online bidding participation in this autumn auction significantly increased, providing global collectors with more convenient access and broadening the buyer base, contributing to the growth in turnover.
Expert Commentary:
Professor Li Ming, a renowned art market analyst, pointed out: "The success of Guardian's autumn auction, especially the strong performance of master collections, is a significant indicator of market confidence. It tells us that in the current market environment, collectors prefer to choose 'hard currency' pieces that have stood the test of time, with clear provenance and academic value. In the future, the art market will focus more on a boutique strategy and the excavation of cultural value."
Ms. Wang, a senior auction house consultant, also stated: "The results of this auction indicate that the Chinese art market is undergoing a healthy adjustment period and gradually maturing. Collectors' understanding and appreciation of art are continuously improving, and they are willing to pay higher prices for truly artistic and historically significant collections. This has positive implications for the healthy development of the entire art ecosystem."
Looking ahead, with the continuous development of China's economy and the strengthening of cultural confidence, the art market is expected to usher in broader development opportunities. Specialization, internationalization, and digitalization will be important trends for the auction industry in the future.