BEIJING, May 18, 2026 – The highly anticipated Beijing Council International 2026 Spring Art Auction concluded successfully yesterday. The total transaction value of this spring auction reached RMB 1.58 billion, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 82.5%. The “Cherishing Objects – Important Chinese Porcelain, Jade, and Works of Art” special session performed exceptionally well, with fine Bi Yu jade becoming a market highlight, demonstrating the strong resilience of the high-end jade market and collectors' continued pursuit of scarce resources.
Fine Bi Yu Jade Leads with Impressive Transaction Data
In this spring auction, Bi Yu jade lots performed outstandingly. Notably, a 'Qing Dynasty Qianlong Period Bi Yu Carved Kui Dragon Pattern Vase with Live Ring Handles and Lid' was hammered at RMB 28 million, significantly exceeding its pre-auction estimate of RMB 18 million, representing a premium rate of 55.6%. Another 'Mid-Qing Dynasty Bi Yu Carved Mountain with Scholars under Pine Trees' sold for RMB 15.5 million, an increase of 55% compared to its estimate of RMB 10 million. Overall, the Bi Yu special session achieved a high sell-through rate of 92%, with a total transaction value of RMB 210 million, an 18% increase compared to the Bi Yu special session in the same period last year, indicating strong market growth momentum.
Market Analysis: Driven by Scarcity and Cultural Value
Li Ming, a veteran auction industry journalist and jade market analyst, pointed out: “The excellent performance of Bi Yu jade lots in this Council International spring auction is not accidental. In the current macroeconomic environment, high-end art, especially jade with scarcity, historical and cultural value, and exquisite craftsmanship, is becoming a preferred choice for investors and collectors seeking to preserve and increase wealth. Bi Yu jade, with its warm texture, deep color, and high status in the Qing Dynasty court, has always been highly sought after. Especially fine pieces with clear dating or imperial style, their market value is self-evident.”
He further analyzed: “In recent years, with the increasing depletion of Hetian jade seed material resources, the alternative value of high-quality Bi Yu jade has gradually become prominent. Coupled with the revival of traditional Chinese culture, collectors are paying more attention to the cultural connotations and spiritual sustenance embodied in jade. These factors jointly promoted the steady growth of the Bi Yu jade market.”
Expert Commentary and Market Trend Forecast
Professor Wang, Vice President of the China Jade Culture Research Association and a renowned jade appraisal expert, stated in an interview: “The Bi Yu jade transaction data from this Council International spring auction once again confirms the anti-fragility of the high-end jade market. Buyers are willing to pay higher premiums for Bi Yu jade masterpieces with perfect condition, clear provenance, and exquisite craftsmanship. This indicates that the market's pursuit of 'authenticity, excellence, and rarity' has never changed.”
Professor Wang predicted: “In the next few years, as global economic uncertainty increases, the demand for art as a hard asset allocation will continue to rise. In the jade sector, in addition to traditional Hetian jade seed material, high-quality Bi Yu jade, emerald, and some characteristic jade types will continue to maintain their investment and collection value. At the same time, the rise of a younger generation of collectors will inject new vitality into the market. Their aesthetic and collection philosophies for jade will be more diversified, but the pursuit of quality will remain central.”
Looking Ahead: Steady Development
Mr. Dong Guoqiang, Chairman of Beijing Council International Auction House, said after the auction: “We are very satisfied with the results of this spring auction. Especially the performance of the Bi Yu jade special session, which exceeded our expectations. This reflects the market's recognition of the quality of our lots and also demonstrates the huge potential of the Chinese art market. In the future, we will continue to deepen our efforts in segmented markets, bring more fine products to collectors, and are committed to promoting the inheritance and development of traditional Chinese culture.”
The success of this Beijing Council International spring auction not only injected confidence into the art market but also provided clear guidance for the market trend of high-end jade, especially Bi Yu jade: driven by scarcity, cultural value, and exquisite craftsmanship, its market value will continue to maintain steady growth.