【Beijing, May 18, 2026】The highly anticipated Poly 2026 Spring Art Auction concluded successfully yesterday. Amidst the current complex and volatile economic environment, this season's auction, with its carefully curated collection of master jade carvings, successfully captivated collectors worldwide and injected a strong dose of confidence into the somewhat sluggish art market with its solid performance.
The total transaction value of this spring auction reached RMB 1.25 billion, with a sell-through rate of 78.5%. Among them, the master jade carvings special session performed exceptionally well, with a total transaction value of RMB 380 million and an astonishing sell-through rate of 92.3%, far exceeding other categories. This data not only highlights the unique charm of top-tier jade carving art but also reflects the market's continuous pursuit of scarcity and artistic value.
Regarding key lots, the 'Dragon and Phoenix Auspiciousness Hetian Jade Mountain' created by the late jade carving master Mr. Wang Shixiang fetched the highest price at RMB 85 million, significantly surpassing its pre-sale estimate of RMB 50-70 million, with a premium rate of 70%. Another piece, the 'Auspicious Beast Offering Treasures Bi Jade Ornament' carved by contemporary jade carving master Mr. Li Mingyuan, also sold for a high price of RMB 32 million, an increase of 60% from its estimate of RMB 20-25 million. In addition, several works by young and middle-aged jade carving artists also performed well, with transaction prices generally 10%-30% higher than their estimates, indicating the market's recognition of emerging forces.
"The success of this spring auction, especially the booming master jade carvings special session, undoubtedly sent a positive signal to the market," said Mr. Zhao Lixin, Executive Director of Poly Auction, in an interview. "Against the backdrop of macroeconomic challenges, collectors have shown a stronger willingness to purchase top-tier artworks with clear artistic value and scarcity. Master jade carvings, due to their unique cultural connotations, exquisite craftsmanship, and irreplicability, have become a preferred choice for capital preservation and value investment."
Market analyst Mr. Li Huaqiang pointed out: "From the data of this Poly spring auction, the art market is undergoing a structural adjustment. In the past few years, some categories with higher speculative elements have cooled down, while genuine artworks with artistic value and collection potential are increasingly sought after. As a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, the value of top-tier jade carvings is being re-evaluated and recognized. We expect that in the next few years, high-quality jade carvings, especially master-level and historically significant works, will continue to maintain steady appreciation space."
This auction also revealed some new trends. Firstly, the participation in online bidding significantly increased, with approximately 25% of bids completed through online platforms, indicating that digital technology is profoundly changing art transaction models. Secondly, the entry of a younger generation of collectors, who are more concerned with the artistry and storytelling of the works rather than just the material or age. This diversified collecting philosophy will bring new vitality to the market.
Looking ahead, Poly Auction stated that it will continue to delve deep into the art market, discovering more potential art categories and artists. With the gradual recovery of the global economy and the increasing prominence of art investment value, it is expected that the art market will continue its steady and positive trend in the second half of 2026, with high-quality and scarce artworks remaining the focus of market pursuit.