China Guardian 2026 Spring Auction: Ancient Jadeware Achieves New Heights, Market Enthusiasm Continues to Soar

【Beijing, May 20, 2026】China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, with the highly anticipated 'Auspicious Metal and Jade Essence – Ancient Jadeware' specialist sale performing exceptionally well. The total transaction value reached an impressive RMB 185 million, with a sell-through rate of 88.5%, significantly exceeding market expectations and once again affirming the strong collecting demand and investment potential of the ancient jade market.

This specialist sale featured 120 meticulously selected ancient jade pieces, spanning exquisite items from the Neolithic period to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Several key lots sparked fierce bidding, repeatedly setting high prices. The most prominent was a 'Western Han White Jade Bi Disc with Chilong Dragon Motif'. This bi disc, with its warm jade quality and exquisite carving, was perfectly preserved. After nearly 30 rounds of intense competition, it was finally hammered at RMB 38 million, a staggering increase of 72.7% from its estimated price of RMB 22 million. Another 'Song Dynasty Celadon Jade Auspicious Beast Ornament' also fetched a high price of RMB 15.5 million, nearly double its estimate. In addition, a batch of well-preserved and well-documented Ming and Qing jade plaques and pendants also performed strongly, with average transaction prices increasing by over 25% compared to their estimates.

Ms. Wang Li, Head of the Ancient Jadeware Department at China Guardian Auction House, stated in an interview: “The success of this spring auction's ancient jadeware specialist sale is primarily due to two factors. Firstly, our carefully selected items are of superior quality and have clear provenance, meeting the current collectors' pursuit of fine and authentic pieces. Secondly, market recognition of the value of ancient cultural artifacts continues to grow, especially for high-ancient jade, whose historical, cultural, and artistic value is increasingly appreciated.”

Market Analysis and Trend Prediction:

The results of this auction clearly reveal several significant trends in the current ancient jade market:

• High-ancient jade remains the market focus: High-ancient jade from periods such as the Western Han and Song dynasties continues to be the target of top collectors due to its rarity, historical value, and unique artistic style. Its price elasticity is high, and its resistance to decline is strong, making it an excellent choice for long-term investment.


• Material and craftsmanship are equally important: Not all ancient jade pieces can command high prices. The warmth of the jade, the purity of its color, and the exquisite degree of carving are crucial factors in determining its value. In this auction, pieces with superior jade quality and fine carving generally performed exceptionally well.


• The importance of clear provenance is increasingly prominent: Items with clear records, publications, or documented transmission history often command higher values and are more likely to gain the trust and favor of collectors. This reflects the market's high attention to the authenticity and legitimacy of the items.


• New collectors entering the market, increasing vitality: In addition to traditional seasoned collectors, this auction also attracted many new and younger buyers who showed strong interest in the cultural connotations and artistic charm of ancient jade, injecting new vitality into the market.

Mr. Li Ming, a renowned jade connoisseur and professor at Peking University's School of Archaeology and Museology, pointed out: “The performance of Guardian's ancient jadeware specialist sale at this spring auction once again validates the unique charm and value of Chinese ancient jade as an important carrier of Chinese civilization. Especially some exquisite pieces with typical period styles and cultural connotations are in a steady upward trend in both artistic and market value. However, he also reminded collectors that while market enthusiasm continues to rise, they should pay more attention to accumulating professional knowledge, be wary of fakes and speculation in the market, and invest rationally to achieve stable and long-term success.”

Looking ahead, with the continuous development of China's economy and the strengthening of cultural confidence, the ancient jade market is expected to maintain steady growth. Rare, exquisite, and well-documented ancient jade will continue to be a popular choice in the art investment sector.