BEIJING, May 18, 2026 – The highly anticipated Poly 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, with the “Splendid Jade Rhyme – Masterpieces by Contemporary Chinese Jade Carving Masters” special session performing exceptionally well. The total transaction value reached RMB 185 million, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 88.5%, significantly exceeding market expectations. These auction results not only reaffirmed the market value of high-quality jade carving artworks but also injected a strong dose of confidence into the currently somewhat volatile art market.
The special session featured 126 exquisite works by contemporary jade carving masters, covering various materials such as white jade, jasper, and black jade, with diverse themes and superb craftsmanship. Several lots were sold for prices multiple times higher than their estimates, attracting widespread attention from the industry.
Key Auction Data for Featured Lots:
* Lot 101: Master Wu Desheng's “Auspicious Dragon Presenting Good Fortune” Hetian Jade Carving. This piece, with its exquisite relief and openwork techniques, full form, and superior jade quality, became the highlight of the auction. After multiple rounds of intense bidding, it was finally hammered at RMB 38 million, an increase of 90% from its estimated price of RMB 20 million. The buyer was a seasoned collector from Hong Kong.
* Lot 108: Master Yang Shilin's “Guanyin at Ease” Jasper Carving. This piece captivated many buyers with its warm luster, delicate carving, and serene artistic conception. It ultimately sold for RMB 15.5 million, an increase of 93.75% from its estimated price of RMB 8 million.
* Lot 115: Master Cui Lei's “Sound of Mountains and Waters” Black Jade Plaque. This work, with its unique black jade material, rich literati composition, and subtle artistic expression, was highly favored by collectors. It finally sold for RMB 8.2 million, an increase of 105% from its estimated price of RMB 4 million.
* Lot 120: Master Jiang Xi's “Fortune, Prosperity, Longevity, and Joy” Seed Jade Handpiece. This piece, with its clever use of the original seed jade skin and auspicious symbolism, attracted many new collectors. It ultimately sold for RMB 4.5 million, an increase of 125% from its estimated price of RMB 2 million.
Market Analysis and Trend Forecast:
The success of Poly's jade carving special session clearly conveys several market signals. Firstly, the scarcity and artistic value of top jade carving masters are continuously recognized and sought after by the market. Works with unique styles, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound cultural connotations maintain their strong appeal regardless of market conditions. Secondly, the quality of the jade material remains a crucial factor in determining price, especially Xinjiang Hetian seed jade, whose scarcity ensures its value remains strong. Thirdly, the collector base is becoming increasingly diverse and younger, showing strong interest not only in traditional themes but also in innovative works with modern aesthetic appeal. Finally, judging from the transaction data, the market's purchasing power for high-quality art remains robust and demonstrates a certain degree of risk resistance, indicating that art investment, as part of asset allocation, is being recognized by more high-net-worth individuals.
Expert Commentary and Market Insights:
Professor Li Ming, Vice President of the China Jade Culture Research Association and a renowned jade appraisal expert, stated in an interview: “The performance of Poly's jade carving special session is inspiring. It not only showcases the highest level of contemporary Chinese jade carving art but, more importantly, sends a positive signal: in the current economic environment, truly artistic, culturally rich, and exquisite jade carvings can transcend market cycles. Collectors' pursuit of masterworks is not just an investment in jade itself, but also a respect for and inheritance of traditional Chinese culture and superb craftsmanship.”
Mr. Wang Qiang, a senior art market analyst, pointed out: “The premium rates in this auction were generally high, especially for several star lots, with increases even exceeding 100%, reflecting the market's thirst for scarce resources. At the same time, we observe that in the buyer structure, in addition to traditional collectors, there are also many emerging wealthy individuals who pay more attention to the cultural added value and investment return of artworks. In the coming years, the jade carving art market will continue to show a polarization trend, meaning high-quality pieces will remain strong, while ordinary pieces will face greater market competition. Collectors are advised to focus more on the artistry, scarcity, and the artist's industry status when investing.”
In conclusion, Poly's 2026 Spring Auction's master jade carving special session was undoubtedly a success. It not only brought encouraging transaction data to the market but also provided valuable insights into understanding the current and future trends of the jade carving art market. High-quality, storied, and historically significant jade carving artworks will continue to shine.