【Beijing, May 20, 2026】China Guardian’s 2026 Spring Auction concluded yesterday, achieving a total turnover of RMB 2.35 billion, an increase of 12.8% compared to the same period last year. The highlight of this spring auction was undoubtedly the “Master Collections” special session, which, with its high quality and rarity, became a crucial support for market confidence. Among them, the much-anticipated jade sector performed exceptionally well, with a transaction rate of 88% and a total turnover exceeding RMB 850 million, once again affirming the resilience and investment value of the high-end jade market.
Featured Lots: Master Collections Shine Brightly
In this spring auction, the “Master Collections” session presented 150 lots, with 138 successfully sold, achieving an impressive transaction rate of 92%. Notably, a 'White Jade Ruyi Scepter with Dragon and Phoenix Auspicious Design' from the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, formerly owned by the renowned collector Mr. Zhang Boju, was hammered down at an astonishing price of RMB 88 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of RMB 50 million, with a premium rate of 76%. Another 'Hetian Seed Jade Mountain Carving of Immortals Guiding the Way', authenticated by Mr. Wu Hufan during the Republic of China period, also sold for RMB 45 million, a 50% increase from its estimate of RMB 30 million. The emergence of these high-priced lots not only boosted market sentiment but also demonstrated the strong appeal of top-tier artworks and rare jades.
Jade Market: Steady Growth, Scarcity of Fine Pieces
As a significant component of this auction, the jade sector offered over 300 lots, covering archaic jade, Ming and Qing dynasty jade wares, and contemporary jade carvings. The overall transaction rate reached 88%, with the transaction rate for fine jade pieces approaching 100%. Multiple high-quality Hetian seed jades, jade bangles, and Qing dynasty imperial jade wares were sold at prices exceeding their estimates. For instance, a 'Qianlong Imperial Biyu Carved Brush Pot with Nine Dragons Playing with a Pearl Design' from the Qing Dynasty sold for RMB 32 million, exceeding its estimate of RMB 20 million by 60%. This indicates that, under the current economic climate, collectors still harbor immense enthusiasm and confidence in rare, well-provenanced, and exquisitely crafted jade treasures.
Market Analysis and Trend Prediction
Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: “The success of this Guardian spring auction, especially the outstanding performance of the 'Master Collections' and jade sectors, conveys several key signals. Firstly, the safe-haven function of high-end art and rare jades as hard assets is becoming increasingly prominent. In an increasingly uncertain market environment, their investment value and potential for appreciation are favored by more collectors. Secondly, the scarcity and cultural added value of master collections make them a hot spot in the market. When selecting lots, collectors prefer items with clear provenance and well-documented transmission, in addition to material and craftsmanship. Lastly, the jade market is undergoing structural adjustments; the liquidity of ordinary jade is weakening, while the prices of top-tier Hetian seed jade, high-quality emeralds, and ancient jades with historical and cultural value remain strong, even rising against the trend.”
Ms. Wang Fang, Vice President of China Guardian Auctions and General Manager of the Jade Department, stated: “We are pleased with the results of this spring auction. Particularly, the steady growth trend and high premium transactions in the jade sector reflect the market's deep recognition of jade's cultural and artistic value. In the future, we will continue to delve into master collections and rare jade, providing collectors with more high-quality and high-value art treasures.”
Expert Commentary: Collection Value and Cultural Heritage
Professor Zhang, a renowned jade appraisal expert, believes: “The performance of jade in this spring auction once again proves the strong vitality of traditional Chinese jade culture in the contemporary collection field. Those jade wares authenticated by famous collectors and with clear provenance not only embody exquisite craftsmanship and unique aesthetics but also contain profound historical and cultural information. Their value is not only reflected in the economic aspect but also in the cultural heritage and spiritual sustenance they represent. For ordinary collectors, when investing in jade, they should focus on its material, craftsmanship, cultural connotation, and clear provenance, avoiding blind pursuit and investing rationally.”
Looking ahead, with the continuous development of the Chinese economy and the increasing cultural confidence, the market demand for high-end art and rare jades is expected to continue to grow. The success of China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction has undoubtedly injected a strong shot in the arm for the entire art market and has pointed the way for the future development of the jade market.