China Guardian 2026 Spring Auction: Hetian Jade Masterpieces Lead, Market Shows Significant Recovery

BEIJING, May 20, 2026 – The highly anticipated China Guardian 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total turnover of RMB 3.25 billion, a 15% increase compared to the same period last year, with an impressive sell-through rate of 82%. Among them, the 'Jade and Curios' special session, which garnered significant attention from collectors, performed exceptionally well, with a total turnover exceeding RMB 480 million and a sell-through rate of 90%, indicating a strong recovery in the high-end jade market.

The focus of this spring auction was undoubtedly several exquisite Hetian jade pieces. One such piece, a Qing Dynasty Qianlong period Hetian jade 'seed' boulder carving titled 'Auspicious Beasts Presenting Good Fortune,' with its warm and lustrous jade quality, superb craftsmanship, and auspicious symbolism, was finally hammered down at an astonishing price of RMB 85 million after multiple rounds of fierce bidding. This significantly exceeded its pre-sale estimate (RMB 50-60 million), achieving a premium rate of 41.6%. This carving, weighing 1.5 kilograms, boasts flawless white jade and lifelike carved auspicious beasts, symbolizing good fortune, attracting intense competition from both on-site and online collectors.

Another highly anticipated lot was the 'Scholar under Pine Tree' Hetian jade mountain carving. This piece, known for its unique artistic conception and exquisite composition, ultimately sold for RMB 42 million, an increase of 20% from its pre-sale estimate (RMB 30-35 million). In addition, several Hetian jade hand-held pieces and pendants also performed well, with average transaction prices increasing by approximately 10-15% compared to the same period last year, demonstrating collectors' continued pursuit of Hetian jade material and craftsmanship.

Market Analysis and Trend Prediction:

The results of this Guardian spring auction have undoubtedly injected a strong shot in the arm into the currently somewhat sluggish art market, especially in the high-end Hetian jade sector. Mr. Li Ming, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out: "The auction data clearly indicates that despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges, the scarcity and artistic value of top-tier Hetian jade remain its core drivers for value preservation and appreciation. High-quality, well-documented, and exquisitely crafted Hetian jade masterpieces demonstrate strong price resilience and can even rise against the trend during market adjustments."

Based on the transaction situation, several trends are worth noting:

• Quality over Quantity: Collectors are increasingly stringent about the quality of jade, seeking pieces with warm luster, high whiteness, and no flaws. Even small pieces, if of exceptional quality, can fetch high prices.


• Emphasis on Cultural Connotation and Craftsmanship: Jade artifacts with profound cultural heritage, exquisite carving techniques, and auspicious themes are more favored. Qing Dynasty imperial jade and works by renowned carvers remain market hotspots.


• Seed Jade Value Highlighted: Hetian jade 'seed' material, due to its natural formation and fine, oily luster, continues to rise in value, especially large pieces of high-quality seed material, which have become scarce resources.


• Market Confidence Gradually Recovering: The overall high sell-through rate and premium transactions of multiple lots in this auction reflect a gradual recovery of market confidence in future art investments.

Ms. Zhang Hua, Vice President of China Guardian Auctions and Head of the Jade Department, stated: "We are very pleased with the results of this spring auction. The performance of the Hetian jade session, in particular, exceeded our expectations. This is not only due to our strict selection of lots and professional market promotion but, more importantly, it reflects the unique charm and value of traditional Chinese culture and high-end art in contemporary society. We believe that with the gradual economic recovery and the continuous improvement of collectors' aesthetic appreciation, the high-end Hetian jade market will continue to maintain steady growth in the future."

Industry insiders generally believe that the success of this Guardian spring auction has set a positive tone for the art market in the second half of 2026. High-end Hetian jade, as a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, its investment and collection value will continue to be recognized and sought after by the market.