Beijing, May 18, 2026 – The highly anticipated Beijing Council 2026 Spring Art Auction concluded successfully yesterday. The total transaction volume of this spring auction reached RMB 1.28 billion, with a transaction rate of 78.5%, representing a 15.3% increase compared to the same period last year. This indicates a strong recovery trend in the art market, especially in the high-end collectibles sector. Among them, the jadeite carving special session performed exceptionally well, becoming the highlight of this auction.
This spring auction featured 12 special sessions, covering various categories such as Chinese painting and calligraphy, porcelain and miscellaneous items, antique treasures, and jewelry and jadeite. Among the numerous lots, the jadeite carving special session attracted enthusiastic bidding from collectors worldwide due to its exceptional quality and rarity. The total transaction volume of this session reached an impressive RMB 320 million, with a transaction rate of 92%, far exceeding other categories. Notably, a star lot named 'Imperial Green Fortune, Longevity, Joy Jadeite Mountain Carving' was hammered at an astonishing price of RMB 88 million, exceeding its upper estimate by 35%, becoming the highest-priced lot in this auction. According to Beijing Council Auction House, this carving weighs 2.5 kilograms, boasts fine texture, rich and even color, and exquisite craftsmanship, truly a rare treasure seen once in a century. In addition, another 'Ice-Type Imperial Green Guanyin Standing Statue' was sold for RMB 45 million, with a premium rate of 25%.
Li Ming, a senior analyst at the China Association of Auctioneers (CAA), stated: “The outstanding performance of this Beijing Council spring auction, particularly the strong momentum of jadeite carvings, confirms our previous judgment on the recovery of the high-end art market. Amid increasing global economic uncertainties, top-tier jadeite, which is highly scarce and has excellent value preservation and appreciation capabilities, is becoming an important asset allocation choice for high-net-worth individuals. Its stable value foundation and unique cultural attributes make it stand out in the art market.”
From a market trend perspective, the success of this auction was not accidental. In recent years, with the steady development of China's economy and the improved appreciation level of collectors, the demand for high-quality, high-value artworks has continued to grow. In particular, jadeite, as an important part of traditional Chinese culture, its cultural and investment value is becoming increasingly prominent. Ms. Wang Li, head of the Jewelry and Jadeite Department at Beijing Council Auction House, pointed out: “We have observed that collectors' understanding of jadeite has evolved from merely 'aesthetics' to 'rarity' and 'heritage'. In this auction, jadeite carvings that possess excellent clarity, color, and craftsmanship, and carry unique cultural connotations, often fetch prices far exceeding expectations. This indicates that the market's recognition of exquisite jadeite is growing, and its future appreciation potential remains promising.”
However, market participants also caution that not all jadeite will yield high returns. Investors still need to consider comprehensive factors such as clarity, color, craftsmanship, flaws, and provenance when selecting jadeite. Blindly following trends or investing in mediocre quality jadeite still carries certain risks. The success of this auction undoubtedly injected a shot in the arm for the art market in the second half of 2026, signaling the arrival of a more active and opportunity-filled collecting season. Beijing Council will continue to uphold professionalism, provide more exquisite artworks for global collectors, and promote the healthy development of the art market.