Hangzhou, November 25, 2026 – The highly anticipated Xiling Yinshe 2026 Autumn Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total turnover of RMB 1.28 billion and a sell-through rate of 78.5%, a significant improvement from the spring auction's 72.3%. Notably, the Contemporary Jade Carving special session performed exceptionally well, with several exquisite pieces fetching high prices, and achieving a 92% sell-through rate and a total turnover of RMB 320 million, becoming the 'anchor' of this autumn auction and injecting a strong dose of confidence into the somewhat sluggish art market.
This autumn auction's Contemporary Jade Carving special session presented a total of 120 carefully selected works, covering various materials such as Hetian jade, jadeite, and Nanhong agate, as well as various forms like landscape carvings, pendants, and hand-held pieces. Among them, the highly anticipated highlight – a Hetian jade seed material pendant titled 'Mountain and Water Clear Sound' by Chinese jade carving master Wu Jinxing – took the top spot, selling for RMB 28 million, far exceeding its pre-auction estimate of RMB 18 million, with a premium rate of 55.6%. Another jadeite sculpture titled 'Zen Guanyin' by emerging young jade carver Li Mingxuan also sold for RMB 15.5 million, exceeding its estimate by 30%. Overall, the average premium rate for the Contemporary Jade Carving session reached 28%, demonstrating strong demand from collectors for high-quality contemporary jade carving works.
Mr. Lu Ming, Executive Director and General Manager of Xiling Yinshe Auction Co., Ltd., stated in an interview: "The outstanding performance of the Contemporary Jade Carving special session in this autumn auction fully proves the market's rigid demand for exquisite artworks. In the current economic environment, collectors are paying more attention to the artistic value, scarcity, and potential for preservation and appreciation of works. The works of contemporary jade carving masters, especially those innovative pieces with unique styles and cultural connotations, are gradually becoming new market favorites."
Market analyst Ms. Zhang Hua pointed out: "The data from the 2026 autumn auction indicates that the art market is undergoing structural adjustments. While traditional calligraphy and painting and porcelain still dominate, the growth in turnover and sell-through rates has leveled off. Contemporary jade carving, with its unique oriental aesthetics, exquisite craftsmanship, and limited resource attributes, is attracting more and more new collectors and institutional investors. Especially jade carving works created by renowned masters, with clear cultural themes and innovative elements, are being re-evaluated and recognized by the market. We expect that in the next three years, the market share of contemporary jade carving will continue to expand, with an average annual growth rate expected to remain above 10%."
Veteran jade collector Mr. Wang Jianguo also shared his views: "I have been following the contemporary jade carving market for over ten years. In recent years, the rise of a new generation of jade carvers has brought new vitality and creativity to this industry. Their works are no longer limited to traditional themes but incorporate more modern aesthetics and philosophical thinking. The success of this autumn auction will undoubtedly further stimulate the creative enthusiasm of jade carvers and attract more capital into this field, forming a virtuous cycle."
However, experts also cautioned that not all contemporary jade carving works will gain market favor. Mr. Chen Gang, Secretary-General of the Jade Carving Professional Committee of the China Arts and Crafts Association, emphasized: "The market's pursuit of contemporary jade carving mainly focuses on works with superior materials, exquisite craftsmanship, unique designs, and master signatures. For works with ordinary materials, mediocre craftsmanship, or lack of creativity, market performance remains flat. Collectors investing in contemporary jade carving still need to be discerning, focusing on the artistic quality, scarcity, and academic standing of the artist."
Looking ahead, Xiling Yinshe stated that it will continue to deepen its presence in the contemporary art market, especially in promising segments such as contemporary jade carving and miscellaneous collectibles, to provide collectors with more diverse and high-quality art choices. The success of this autumn auction not only brought a successful close to Xiling Yinshe's annual performance but also sent a positive signal to the entire art market, foreshadowing the arrival of a more mature and vibrant collecting era.