Beijing, May 28, 2026 – The highly anticipated China Guardian 2026 Spring Auctions concluded successfully yesterday at the Beijing International Hotel Convention Center. This spring sale, centered around the theme of 'Master Collections,' brought together treasures from various categories including calligraphy and painting, ceramics, jade, and rare books. The total transaction volume reached an impressive RMB 2.85 billion, with a sell-through rate of 83.5%, marking a 12.3% increase compared to the same period last year, indicating a steady recovery in the art market after a period of adjustment.

Featured Lots: Master Collections Achieve New Heights

Undoubtedly, the highlight of this spring auction was several special sessions featuring collections from renowned masters. Among them, the 'Huaiyu Tang Collection of Jade' special session performed exceptionally well, achieving a total transaction volume of RMB 380 million and a remarkable sell-through rate of 95%. A Qing Dynasty Qianlong period white jade 'Fu Shou Shuang Quan' (Blessings and Longevity) Ruyi scepter fetched a staggering RMB 85 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of RMB 50 million, becoming the highest-priced lot of the session. Another Ming Dynasty huanghuali brush pot inlaid with precious stones, after more than 30 rounds of intense bidding, finally sold for RMB 28 million, an increase of nearly 40% from its estimate.

In the calligraphy and painting section, the 'Ink and Brush: Modern and Contemporary Master Calligraphy and Painting' special session also performed strongly. Qi Baishi's 'Shrimp Fun' sold for RMB 62 million, setting a new auction record for works of the same subject by Qi Baishi. Zhang Daqian's 'Splashed Ink Landscape' changed hands for RMB 45 million, demonstrating the market's continued pursuit of classic masterworks.

Market Analysis: Structural Recovery and Boutique Strategy

Ms. Guo Tong, Vice President of China Guardian Auctions Co., Ltd. and General Manager of the Calligraphy and Painting Department, stated in an interview: “The success of this spring auction is primarily due to our strict control over the quality of the lots and our precise understanding of market demand. The success of the 'Master Collections' strategy confirms the strong purchasing power of the market for high-quality items with clear provenance and well-documented circulation. Despite ongoing economic uncertainties, high-net-worth collectors' confidence in art investment is recovering, especially for rare resources that possess both artistic and historical-cultural value.”

Mr. Li Ming, a jade market analyst, pointed out: “The outstanding performance of the jade section in this Guardian spring auction, particularly the record-breaking prices for Qing Dynasty imperial jade, reflects a structural recovery in the high-end jade market. Investors and collectors are showing great enthusiasm for ancient jade and master jade carvings that excel in material, craftsmanship, and cultural connotation. In the coming years, we expect the prices of exquisite jade to maintain a steady upward trend, while ordinary jade may face greater market pressure.”

Trend Prediction and Outlook

Based on the data from this spring auction, the art market exhibits the following trends:

  • The 'Master Collections' effect continues to amplify: Collectors are increasingly valuing the provenance and lineage of artworks, and master collections not only add value to the lots but also boost market confidence.

  • Boutique strategy yields significant results: Market capital is more inclined to flow towards rare, high-quality artworks rather than blindly pursuing quantity.

  • Jade sector shows immense potential: Especially archaic jade and Qing imperial jade, whose cultural value and rarity make them investment hotspots.

  • Emergence of younger collector groups: While seasoned collectors remain the main buyers in this spring auction, online bidding and the participation of younger collectors have increased, suggesting a more diversified collector structure in the future market.


Ms. Hu Yanran, Chairman of China Guardian Auctions, stated in her closing remarks: “The success of the 2026 Spring Auctions lays a solid foundation for our year-round auctions. We will continue to cultivate the art market, rewarding our esteemed collectors with professional services and high-quality lots. In the future, we will further expand international cooperation, introduce more top-tier global art resources, and also pay attention to emerging art categories to inject new vitality into the Chinese art market.”

The successful conclusion of this spring auction not only injected a strong boost into the art market but also set a positive market expectation for the upcoming autumn auction.