[BEIJING, May 28, 2026] The highly anticipated Poly 2026 Spring Art Auction concluded successfully today in Beijing. The total transaction value of this spring sale reached an impressive RMB 4.58 billion. The jade ware special session performed particularly brilliantly, with a total transaction value exceeding RMB 850 million and a remarkable sell-through rate of 92.5%, significantly surpassing market expectations. High-end master jade carvings became the absolute highlight of this auction, once again confirming the resilience and vitality of the top-tier art market.
Featured Lots: Masterpieces Achieve New Heights
During this auction, several monumental works by master jade carvers sparked intense bidding. Among them, the 'Hetian Jade Seed Material 'Nine Dragons Playing with Pearl' Mountain Carving' by the late Chinese Arts and Crafts Master Wang Shusen, hammered for an astonishing RMB 120 million, setting a new auction record for contemporary jade carvings in the past five years. This represents a 50% premium over its upper estimate (RMB 80 million). Another piece, the 'Celadon Jade 'Guanyin Bodhisattva' Ornament' carved by contemporary jade carving master Wu Desheng, also sold for RMB 68 million, exceeding its estimate (RMB 45 million) by 51%, demonstrating the market's high recognition of master-crafted exquisite pieces. Furthermore, several innovative works by emerging young jade carvers also performed well, with an average premium rate exceeding 25%, indicating the continuation and diversified development of jade carving art.
Market Analysis: Robust Demand for High-End Jade, Investment Attributes Highlighted
Mr. Li Ming, General Manager of Poly Auction's Chinese Antiques and Curiosities Department, stated in an interview: "The outstanding performance of the jade ware special session in this spring sale fully illustrates that, in the current macroeconomic environment, high-end art pieces, especially master jade carvings that possess artistic value, cultural connotations, and scarcity, are becoming an important option for asset allocation among high-net-worth individuals. We have observed that the buyer structure is becoming increasingly diversified; in addition to traditional collectors, more institutional investors and young collectors are beginning to pay attention to this field, driving an increase in market activity."
From the data, the average price per lot in this jade ware special session reached RMB 3.5 million, an increase of 15% compared to the same period last year. Among these, Hetian jade seed material works remain the market mainstream, accounting for over 70% of the total transaction value. Although fewer in number, prices for exquisite jadeite pieces remained strong, with a full-green glass-type jadeite bangle selling for RMB 45 million, demonstrating its unshakeable market position.
Expert Commentary: Quality and Heritage as Core Values
Professor Zhang Hua, a renowned jade appraisal expert and Vice President of the Gem & Jewelry Trade Association of China, analyzed: "The results of this Poly spring sale once again emphasize the core values of jade carving artworks: first, the rarity and superiority of the material, especially top-grade Hetian jade seed material; second, the exquisite and innovative carving techniques, with masterworks often representing the highest level of their era; and third, the cultural heritage and historical legacy embedded in the works. Amidst market fluctuations, those exquisite pieces possessing these three attributes tend to perform more steadily, even rising against the trend. Concurrently, the rise of a new generation of jade carvers injects new vitality and imagination into the market, and their works deserve long-term attention."
Trend Outlook: Market to Move Towards Rational Prosperity, Focus on Emerging Talents
Looking ahead, industry insiders generally believe that the high-end jade market will continue to maintain a trend of rational prosperity. With increased information transparency and improved connoisseurship among collectors, the market will place greater emphasis on the artistry, scarcity, and cultural value of works. Simultaneously, auction houses and galleries will increase their support for emerging jade carvers, introducing more promising and innovative works to the market. It is anticipated that within the next five years, the average annual appreciation rate for top-tier master jade carvings is expected to remain between 8%-12%, while the market potential for works by young jade carvers with unique styles and exquisite techniques should not be underestimated.