[Hong Kong, May 18, 2026] Christie's Hong Kong's Spring 2026 Auction, featuring the 'Glimpses of Glory: Ancient Jade Pendants' special sale, once again demonstrated the robust vitality of the high-end ancient jade market. This dedicated sale presented 120 exquisite ancient jade pendants, spanning various historical periods including Hongshan, Liangzhu, Shang and Zhou Dynasties, Han Dynasty, and Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. The auction concluded successfully with an impressive 92% sell-through rate and a staggering total sales value of HKD 285 million, significantly exceeding the pre-sale estimate of HKD 210 million, marking a remarkable increase of 35.7%.
The undisputed highlight of the auction was a 'Jade Cong Pendant with Deity and Beast Mask Motif' from the late Liangzhu Culture. This piece, featuring exquisite craftsmanship, clear patterns, and excellent preservation, was hammered down at HKD 58 million to an anonymous Asian private collector, setting a new auction record for similar jade pendants. Another highly anticipated lot was a Han Dynasty 'High-Ancient Jade Bi Disc with Dragon and Phoenix Motif.' Its warm jade quality and vibrant carving led to a sale price of HKD 32 million, nearly 50% above its highest estimate. Furthermore, several jade huang and jue from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties also performed exceptionally well, with sale prices generally 20% to 40% above their estimates.
Mr. Francis Belin, President of Christie's Asia Pacific and International Director of Chinese Art, stated after the auction: “The success of this ancient jade pendant sale once again highlights the global appeal of top-tier ancient jade. Collectors have shown immense enthusiasm and purchasing power for ancient jades with clear provenance, perfect condition, and profound historical and cultural value. In particular, Liangzhu culture jade artifacts, with their unique artistic style and deep historical heritage, are increasingly sought after by international collectors.”
From a market analysis perspective, the ancient jade pendant market has shown a steady upward trend in recent years. Especially against the backdrop of increased global economic uncertainty, its investment value as an art piece combining rarity and preservation is becoming increasingly prominent. The auction data indicates strong demand from collectors for high-quality, well-provenanced ancient jades, and their willingness to pay a premium. It is noteworthy that the entry-level and mid-range ancient jade market also shows active momentum, attracting more new collectors.
Professor Li Ming, a senior jade market analyst, commented: “The ancient jade pendant sale at Christie's Spring Auction was not only impressive in terms of sell-through rate and total sales, but more importantly, it sent a positive market signal. The value of high-ancient jade is being re-evaluated and recognized, especially for artifacts with clear cultural symbols and historical significance. We anticipate this niche market will continue to grow in the coming years, with significant room for price appreciation, particularly for exquisite pieces that combine artistic and historical documentary value. However, collectors should still exercise caution when entering the market, focusing on authenticity, condition, and provenance, and avoiding blind speculation.”
Looking ahead, as the influence of traditional Chinese culture expands globally and collectors' understanding of the cultural connotations of ancient jade deepens, the market demand for ancient jade pendants will remain robust. Auction houses will place greater emphasis on historical and cultural value, craftsmanship, and rarity when selecting lots to meet the growing demand for collection and investment. It is expected that high-quality ancient jade pendants will continue to be a focal point of market attention in the next auction season.