BEIJING, May 20, 2026 – The highly anticipated China Guardian 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday. Among the various categories, the “Jijin Puyu – Ancient Jade Carvings” specialist sale was particularly impressive, with several rare pieces fetching high prices, achieving an outstanding sell-through rate of 92.5% and a total transaction value of RMB 285 million. This performance injected a strong dose of confidence into the currently somewhat volatile art market.
The Ancient Jade Carvings sale featured 120 meticulously selected lots, covering various jade artifacts from the Neolithic period to the Ming and Qing dynasties, including ritual objects, ornaments, and display pieces. Data shows that the total transaction value of the sale reached RMB 285 million, an 18.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, a “Western Han White Jade Bi Disc with Dragon and Phoenix Motif,” estimated at RMB 20 million to 30 million, was finally hammered at RMB 45 million, reaching RMB 51.75 million with buyer's premium, becoming the highest-priced lot of the session with a premium rate of 53.3%. Another “Qianlong Period, Qing Dynasty, Carved Jade Screen with Landscape and Figures” also sold for RMB 18.5 million, significantly exceeding its estimate of RMB 12 million, showing a substantial increase.
From the transaction data, several prominent characteristics emerged in this sale: Firstly, high-quality, rare ancient jade carvings remain the focus of market pursuit, especially pieces with clear provenance, excellent condition, and significant historical and cultural value, whose price performance far exceeded market expectations. Secondly, both the sell-through rate and premium rate for mid-to-high-end lots performed exceptionally well, indicating sustained collector enthusiasm for exquisite jade. Additionally, new collectors showed increased interest in entry-level and mid-range jade, injecting new vitality into the market.
Mr. Zhang, Vice President of China Guardian Auctions and General Manager of the Jade and Crafts Department, stated in an interview: “The success of this Ancient Jade Carvings sale once again confirms the profound cultural heritage and unique artistic charm of ancient Chinese jade. In the current global economic climate, high-quality artworks, especially ancient jade with potential for value preservation and appreciation, are becoming an increasingly important component of asset allocation for savvy collectors. We observe that market awareness and connoisseurship of ancient jade are continuously improving, which prompts us to invest more effort in future consignment and academic research.”
Professor Li Ming, a senior art market analyst, pointed out: “The performance of the Guardian Spring Auction's Ancient Jade Carvings sale can be seen as a positive signal for the overall rebound of the Chinese art market. After two years of adjustment, the market is gradually returning to rationality and maturity. Ancient jade, as a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, is valuable not only for its rare material but also for the historical information and aesthetic appeal it carries. In the next few years, we expect the ancient jade market to show a steady upward trend, especially for exquisite pieces with academic research value and clear provenance, whose market value will continue to be explored. At the same time, with advancements in scientific authentication methods, collectors' demands for the authenticity and quality of lots are also increasing, which will further push the market towards a more standardized and professional direction.”
Looking ahead, the ancient jade market will still face challenges, such as global economic uncertainties and the cultivation of younger collector groups. However, with its unique cultural charm and scarcity, coupled with the long-term positive trend of the Chinese economy, ancient jade is expected to continue to be a shining star in the field of art investment.