【Beijing, November 20, 2026】China Guardian's 2026 Autumn Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total transaction value of RMB 2.85 billion, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 82.3%. Among them, the highly anticipated 'Jade and Crafts' special session performed exceptionally well, with a total transaction value exceeding RMB 320 million, a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. This demonstrates the strong resilience and growing collecting enthusiasm in the high-end Hetian jade market.
The highlight of this autumn auction – a 'White Hetian Jade Seed Carving of Auspicious Beasts' from the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty – was hammered at an astonishing RMB 68 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate (RMB 35 million - 45 million). It became the highest-priced lot of the session. The jade piece boasts fine and warm texture, pure white color, exquisite carving, and vivid depiction of auspicious beasts, symbolizing good fortune. It attracted fierce bidding from both on-site and online collectors, eventually acquired by an anonymous private collector. Another 'Celadon and White Jade Carved Landscape and Figures Screen Insert' from the mid-Qing Dynasty also fetched a high price of RMB 22 million, an increase of 120% from its low estimate. Overall, the Hetian Jade special session offered 120 lots, with 108 sold, achieving a high sell-through rate of 90%, significantly outperforming other categories.
Market Analysis and Trend Prediction:
Li Ming, a senior auction industry journalist and jade market analyst, pointed out: "The excellent performance of the Hetian Jade special session at this Guardian autumn auction is not accidental. Against the backdrop of certain challenges in the macro economy, the high-end art market, especially Hetian jade masterpieces with scarcity, profound cultural heritage, and both preservation and appreciation attributes, is increasingly becoming an important choice for collectors to hedge risks and diversify their asset allocation. We observe that market demand for ancient Hetian jade artifacts with superior jade quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and clear provenance remains strong. Such lots often fetch ideal prices far exceeding their estimates. In addition, innovative works by contemporary jade carving masters are also beginning to attract attention, but prices are still in a rational return phase, with a significant gap compared to ancient masterpieces."
From the data, Hetian jade lots with an estimate of over RMB 5 million in this autumn auction achieved an astonishing sell-through rate of 95%, with an average premium rate exceeding 80%. For lots with an estimate between RMB 1 million and RMB 5 million, the sell-through rate also maintained above 85%, with an average premium rate of 50%. This indicates a very high recognition of high-quality Hetian jade in the market and a willingness to pay higher premiums for it.
Expert Commentary:
Professor Wang, Vice President of the China Jade Culture Research Association and a renowned jade appraisal expert, stated in an interview: "The results of this Guardian autumn auction are exhilarating. It once again confirms the unique charm and value of traditional Chinese jade culture in the contemporary art market. Especially that Qianlong white Hetian jade seed carving, its jade quality, craftsmanship, and cultural connotation have reached the pinnacle, making it a rare and precious artistic treasure. In the future, with the continuous development of China's economy and the enhancement of cultural confidence, Hetian jade, as a treasure of Chinese civilization, still has huge room for appreciation in market value. Collectors are advised to focus on the naturalness of the jade material, the artistry of the carving, the integrity of the form, and the clear provenance when investing, avoiding blind pursuit and investing rationally."
Looking ahead, although global economic uncertainties persist, the intrinsic value and scarcity of the Chinese art market, particularly traditional cultural artworks represented by Hetian jade, will continue to attract high-end collectors. It is expected that the prices of Hetian jade masterpieces will maintain steady growth in the coming years, and market confidence will further strengthen. However, at the same time, the ability to discern the authenticity and quality of jade will become a significant challenge for collectors and investors.