Sotheby's Spring Sale 2026: Qing Dynasty Jade Market Continues to Heat Up, Masterpieces Achieve Remarkable Results

【Hong Kong, May 18, 2026】The highly anticipated Sotheby's Spring Sale 2026 concluded successfully yesterday. The Qing Dynasty Jade specialist sale, in particular, performed exceptionally well, with several rare pieces selling for prices significantly exceeding their estimates, once again affirming the strong resilience of the high-end ancient jade market and collectors' continued pursuit of exquisite jade. The total sales for this specialist sale reached HKD 285 million, with a sell-through rate of 92%, far exceeding market expectations. The Qing Dynasty Jade specialist sale featured a total of 120 lots, of which 110 were successfully sold. The most striking piece was a 'Qing Dynasty Qianlong Period White Jade 'Dragon and Phoenix' Double-Handled Covered Vase with Loose Rings,' which, with its warm jade quality, exquisite carving, and auspicious symbolism, finally hammered at HKD 85 million, a 70% increase from its HKD 50 million estimate, making it the top-selling lot of the sale. Another piece, a 'Mid-Qing Dynasty Green Jade Carved Landscape and Figure Screen,' also performed remarkably, selling for HKD 32 million, a 60% increase from its estimate. Additionally, a set of '18th Century Qing Dynasty Celadon Jade Carved Mythical Beast Seal Knobs' sold for HKD 15 million, attracting numerous bidders with its intricate design and rare material. From the sales data, the average premium rate for this auction reached 35%, indicating strong market demand for high-quality Qing Dynasty jades. Particularly, imperial jades from the Qianlong period, with their superb craftsmanship, meticulous material selection, and profound cultural connotations, have consistently maintained a leading position in the market. Several anonymous buyers participated via telephone bids or online, demonstrating global collectors' keen interest in Chinese ancient jade. Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: "The outstanding performance of Qing Dynasty jades at this Sotheby's Spring Sale is not accidental. In recent years, with increasing global economic uncertainties, art as an alternative investment has increasingly highlighted its value preservation and appreciation attributes. Qing Dynasty jades, especially masterpieces from the Qianlong period, are considered hard currency due to their scarcity, artistry, and historical value. We observe strong demand for top-tier jades with clear provenance, excellent condition, and exquisite craftsmanship, with a clear upward trend in prices. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, but collectors still need to focus on authenticity verification and condition assessment when investing." Professor Wang, a renowned jade appraisal expert, also stated: "The success of this auction reflects the continuously growing recognition of traditional Chinese art and culture in the market. Especially those Qing Dynasty jades with historical heritage and cultural depth, their value is not only reflected in the material itself but also in the spirit of the era and aesthetic taste they embody. The high-priced lots in this auction are all exemplars of superior jade quality and superb carving, and their market performance has injected new vitality into the entire ancient jade sector." Looking ahead, the Qing Dynasty jade market is expected to maintain steady growth. With the rise of new generations of collectors and deepening global interest in Oriental art, the value of fine jade pieces will be further explored. However, market differentiation will also become more pronounced; prices for ordinary jade categories may stabilize, while imperial jades or those from famous private collections with unique historical significance, artistic value, and scarcity still have considerable room for price appreciation. For collectors, in-depth research and cautious investment remain the golden rules for participating in this market.