【Beijing, November 28, 2026】China Guardian's 2026 Autumn Auction concluded successfully yesterday, with a total transaction value reaching RMB 1.85 billion. The highly anticipated 'Contemporary Jade Carving' special session performed exceptionally well, achieving a total transaction value of RMB 280 million and an impressive 92% sell-through rate, becoming the highlight of this autumn auction. This data not only exceeded market expectations but is also regarded by the industry as a significant sign of recovery for the Chinese art market, particularly the jade sector.
The 'Contemporary Jade Carving' special session featured a total of 120 exquisite lots, covering various materials such as Hetian jade, jadeite, and Nanhong agate, as well as diverse forms including mountain carvings, plaques, and handheld pieces. Among them, a Hetian jade mountain carving titled 'Visiting Friends in the Mountains and Streams' by contemporary jade carving master Zhang Ming, with its superb craftsmanship, warm jade quality, and profound artistic conception, was finally sold for a high price of RMB 38 million, far exceeding its pre-auction estimate of RMB 20 million, becoming the highest-priced lot of the session. Another jadeite plaque titled 'Lotus Pond Moonlight' designed by young artist Li Hua was hammered at RMB 12 million, an increase of 50% from its estimate, demonstrating the market's pursuit of innovative designs and rare materials. Overall, the average premium rate for the contemporary jade carving session reached 35%, a 15 percentage point increase compared to the same period last year, fully reflecting collectors' confidence in exquisite jade carvings.
Ms. Wang Li, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: "The strong performance of contemporary jade carving at this Guardian autumn auction is not accidental. After several years of market adjustments, collectors' understanding and aesthetic appreciation of jade carving art have significantly improved, with greater emphasis on the artistic quality, craftsmanship, and cultural connotations of the works. At the same time, the supply side of the market is also continuously optimizing, with more excellent works featuring innovative spirit and unique styles emerging, meeting the demands of high-end collectors." She further analyzed that behind the high sell-through rate and high premium rate is the strong demand for scarce resources and masterworks, as well as a re-evaluation of the value of jade carving artworks.
Mr. Chen Gang, Head of the Jade Department at China Guardian, stated in an interview: "We are very satisfied with the results of this contemporary jade carving special session. This is not only an affirmation of our team's meticulous preparation but also a powerful proof of the promising development prospects of Chinese contemporary jade carving art. In the future, we will continue to deeply cultivate the jade carving market, discover more potential artists and works, and provide collectors with higher-quality collection options."
From a market trend perspective, the success of this autumn auction indicates that the Chinese jade market is gradually emerging from its trough and entering a steady upward channel. Particularly in the contemporary jade carving sector, due to its dual attributes as both an artwork and a collectible, and the increasingly scarce high-quality jade materials, its investment and collection value are becoming increasingly prominent. It is expected that the contemporary jade carving market will remain active in the next few years, with prices for exquisite pieces likely to continue to rise, and works that combine traditional cultural heritage with modern aesthetic innovation will be more favored by the market. However, investors still need to remain rational, paying attention to the origin, craftsmanship, jade quality, and market recognition of the artist to avoid blind speculation.
The success of China Guardian's 2026 Autumn Auction has undoubtedly injected a shot in the arm for the entire art market, and the outstanding performance of the contemporary jade carving sector, in particular, has brought new growth momentum and positive signals to the industry.