Beijing, November 15, 2026 – The highly anticipated Poly 2026 Autumn Auction concluded successfully yesterday, with the ancient jadeware specialist session performing exceptionally well. The total sales reached RMB 185 million, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 88.5%, significantly exceeding market expectations. This achievement not only highlights the strong recovery momentum of the high-end ancient jade market but also provides important guidance for future collecting trends.
The ancient jadeware session featured a total of 126 meticulously selected lots, covering a wide range of precious jade artifacts from the Neolithic age to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Notably, a “Western Han White Jade Bi Disc with Chilong Dragon Motif” fetched an astonishing RMB 38 million, far surpassing its pre-sale estimate (RMB 25-30 million), becoming the highest-priced lot of the session. This jade bi disc boasts a warm jade quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and lifelike chilong dragon carvings, possessing immense historical and artistic value. Another highlight, a “Shang Dynasty Celadon Jade Cong with Human Face Motif,” also sold for RMB 15 million, a 25% increase from its estimate, demonstrating collectors' strong enthusiasm for early high-ancient jade.
Data analysis reveals that the average price per lot in this autumn sale's ancient jadeware session reached RMB 1.468 million, a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, fine jade pieces estimated above RMB 5 million achieved a 100% sell-through rate, with most selling at a premium, indicating ample capital in the high-end market and strong demand for rare, well-provenanced top-tier lots. The sell-through rate for mid-to-low-end lots (estimated below RMB 1 million) also remained above 80%, and while the premium was limited, the overall performance was stable, reflecting a general increase in market confidence.
Mr. Zhang, General Manager of Poly Auction's Antiquities and Curios Department, stated in an interview: “The success of this ancient jadeware session is strong proof of market confidence recovery. We observed that collectors showed great enthusiasm for ancient jade pieces with clear provenance, excellent condition, and rich cultural connotations. High-ancient jade, in particular, with its unique historical value and rarity, has become a focal point of market pursuit.” He further pointed out that the ancient jade market will show a two-tiered trend in the future, with prices for top-tier masterpieces continuing to rise, while ordinary categories stabilize.
Professor Li, a senior jade appraisal expert, also commented: “The results of this auction confirm our judgment of the ancient jade market's rebound. After several years of adjustment, investors and collectors have a more rational understanding of ancient jade's value, paying more attention to its historical and cultural significance and artistic taste. Jade pieces with clear dating, regional characteristics, and cultural symbols, in particular, have undeniable collection value and investment potential.” Professor Li advised new collectors to acquire professional knowledge, choose carefully, and prioritize lots with authoritative certification or clear provenance.
Looking ahead, with China's steady economic development and increasing cultural confidence, ancient jade, as an important carrier of Chinese civilization, will continue to see its market value unearthed. The success of Poly Auction's autumn sale undoubtedly injects a strong boost into the ancient jade market for the 2027 spring sale and beyond, signaling the arrival of a more active and mature collecting era.