BEIJING, May 20, 2026 – The highly anticipated China Guardian 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday. The total transaction value of this spring auction reached RMB 1.85 billion, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 82.5%, representing a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. This demonstrates a strong recovery trend in the art market, particularly in the jade sector. Among them, the much-watched 'Congealed Fat and Hidden Jade – Important Chinese Jade Carvings Special Sale' performed exceptionally well, with a total transaction value exceeding RMB 320 million. A Qing Dynasty Qianlong period Hetian jade 'Fu Shou Shuang Quan' (Blessings and Longevity) carving fetched an astonishing RMB 85 million, becoming the highest-priced lot of the auction.
This 'Fu Shou Shuang Quan' carving, weighing 2.8 kilograms, boasts exquisite jade quality, a warm and delicate texture, and a whiteness level of 1.5. Its superb craftsmanship and auspicious symbolism contributed to its high value. The hammer price of RMB 85 million significantly surpassed its pre-auction estimate of RMB 50 million, achieving a premium rate of 70%. This fully reflects the scarcity and collection value of top-grade Hetian jade pebbles in the market. In addition, another Qing Dynasty white jade 'Child Offering Auspiciousness' carving sold for RMB 28 million, while a contemporary jade master's work – the 'Mountain and River Serenity' Hetian jade mountain carving, sculpted by a national intangible cultural heritage inheritor – was acquired by a collector for RMB 12 million, indicating that contemporary jade carving masterpieces are also gaining market favor.
Overall, the jade special sale at this China Guardian spring auction exhibited several notable characteristics: Firstly, high-quality, rare Hetian jade pebbles remain the focus of market pursuit, with prices holding firm and showing a clear upward trend. Secondly, items from renowned private collections with clear provenance are more favored by collectors, with their added value recognized by the market. Thirdly, masterpieces by contemporary jade carving masters are beginning to emerge, signaling the market potential for the inheritance and innovation of jade carving art.
Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: "The data from this China Guardian spring auction, especially the outstanding performance of the Hetian jade sector, has injected a strong shot in the arm for the entire art market. After several years of adjustment, we see that the market demand for high-quality, culturally rich artworks remains robust. As a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, Hetian jade's investment and collection value has long been optimistic. The high-priced 'Fu Shou Shuang Quan' carving not only set a new transaction record for Hetian jade carvings in recent years but also conveyed the market's strong confidence in rare resources."
Ms. Wang Li, Head of the Jade Department at China Guardian, stated: "We are very pleased with the results of this spring auction. The excellent performance of the Hetian jade pebble carvings, in particular, reflects collectors' deep understanding of the aesthetic and investment value of jade artworks. In the future, we will continue to cultivate the jade market, unearthing more exquisite pieces with historical and cultural value and artistic collection potential to meet the growing market demand."
Looking ahead, with the gradual recovery of the global economy and the increasing interest of high-net-worth individuals in cultural and art investments, the Hetian jade market is expected to maintain steady growth. Scarcity, exquisite craftsmanship, and good provenance will be key factors determining its market value. At the same time, with the rise of a new generation of collectors, the market share of contemporary jade carving artworks is expected to further expand, bringing new vitality and growth points to the jade market.