【Beijing, November 20, 2026】The highly anticipated China Guardian 2026 Autumn Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total turnover of RMB 3.25 billion, with an impressive sell-through rate of 82.3%. This represents a 15% increase compared to the same period last year, indicating a strong recovery in the art market, particularly in the traditional Chinese crafts sector. Among the various categories, the 'Jade and Exquisite Objects' special session performed exceptionally well, with a total turnover exceeding RMB 480 million and a sell-through rate of 91.5%, becoming a major highlight of this autumn auction.
The focus of this autumn auction was undoubtedly several rare Hetian jade carvings. Among them, a Qing Dynasty Qianlong period white jade carving of a 'Auspicious Beast Presenting Good Fortune,' with its warm jade quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and auspicious symbolism, was finally hammered at a staggering RMB 86 million after dozens of fierce bids. This far exceeded its pre-sale estimate (RMB 50-70 million), achieving a premium rate of 72% and setting a new auction record for similar Hetian jade carvings in the past three years. Another Qing Dynasty mid-period celadon jade mountain carving with a 'Landscape and Figures' theme also sold for RMB 42 million, an increase of 68% compared to its estimate of RMB 25-35 million. In addition, several masterpieces by contemporary jade carving masters also performed well, such as a 'Lotus Pond Serenity' spinach jade carving created by contemporary jade carving master Li, which sold for RMB 12 million, demonstrating the market's increasing recognition of contemporary jade carving art.
Mr. Zhang Hua, Vice President of China Guardian Auctions and General Manager of the Jade and Crafts Department, stated in an interview: "The outstanding performance of Hetian jade carvings in this autumn auction fully confirms our previous judgment on market recovery. The scarcity of high-end Hetian jade resources, the return of traditional cultural values, and the improvement of collectors' aesthetic standards are the core factors driving its price continuous upward trend. Especially ancient jades with superior quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and clear provenance, as well as contemporary masterworks with innovative spirit and unique style, are increasingly becoming hot spots in the market."
Market analyst Mr. Li Ming pointed out: "Judging from the data of this Guardian autumn auction, the art market, especially the traditional Chinese crafts sector, has entered a steady upward channel. As a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, Hetian jade's investment and collection value has long been favored by the market. The high-priced Hetian jade carvings sold this time not only reflect the market's thirst for scarce resources but also demonstrate collectors' confidence in the long-term value of cultural and art pieces. It is expected that in the next few years, the market price of high-end Hetian jade will continue to show a steady upward trend, especially for exquisite pieces with historical and cultural value, artistic value, and rarity, their appreciation potential will be even more considerable. At the same time, the works of contemporary jade carving masters are also worth paying attention to, as they represent the inheritance and innovation of jade carving art and are potential growth stocks for the future market."
The success of this autumn auction undoubtedly injected a shot in the arm for the upcoming 2027 spring auction and sent a positive signal to the entire art market. Collectors and investors should continue to pay attention to market dynamics and seize collection opportunities.