BEIJING, May 22, 2026 – China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, with the highly anticipated “Jade and Craftworks” session performing exceptionally well. Particularly, the Hetian jade carving series once again demonstrated the strong vitality of the high-end jade market with its outstanding artistic value and rarity. The total transaction value of this spring auction reached RMB 2.85 billion, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 82.3%, an increase of 15% compared to the same period last year, indicating sustained strong confidence in art investment.
During this auction, a 2.5-kilogram “Hetian Jade Seed Material Carving of Auspicious Beasts” became the highlight of the entire event. The jade was exquisitely delicate and warm, with a flawless white color. The carving was superb, perfectly capturing the majesty and dynamism of the auspicious beasts. After several rounds of intense bidding, it was finally hammered down at an astonishing price of RMB 88 million, far exceeding its pre-auction estimate (RMB 50-60 million), with a premium rate of 76%. This set a new auction record for Hetian jade carvings in the past five years. Additionally, another “Hetian Jade Biyu (Green Jade) Brush Pot with Landscape and Figures” was sold for RMB 18.5 million, an increase of 48% from its estimate. Overall, the average transaction price of high-quality Hetian jade carvings increased by approximately 25% compared to the same period last year, with the sell-through rate remaining at a high level of over 90%.
Market Analysis and Trend Prediction:
Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: “The outstanding performance of the Hetian jade sector in this Guardian spring auction is not accidental. In recent years, with the steady development of the domestic economy and the enhancement of cultural confidence, the demand for high-end art investment has remained strong. Hetian jade, as a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, stands out in the art market due to its rarity, non-renewability, and profound cultural heritage. Especially high-quality seed material and master-level carved works are increasingly recognized and sought after by the market. We anticipate that the market value of top-tier Hetian jade will continue to grow steadily in the next five years, with an average annual increase expected to reach 10%-15%.”
Ms. Wang Fang, head of China Guardian's Jade and Craftworks Department, stated: “The success of this spring auction benefited from our high-standard selection of lots and precise grasp of market trends. We have observed that collectors' aesthetic standards and collecting philosophies for Hetian jade are continuously improving. They tend to collect exquisite pieces with superior jade quality, superb craftsmanship, and rich cultural connotations. In the future, we will continue to deepen our efforts in this field, presenting more Hetian jade treasures with historical and artistic value to collectors.”
Expert Commentary:
Professor Zhang, a renowned jade appraisal expert, said in an interview: “The successful auction of the 'Auspicious Beasts' carving not only reflects its inherent artistic charm but also demonstrates the market's high recognition of the scarcity of Hetian jade seed material. High-quality seed material resources are increasingly depleted, making every exquisite piece precious. At the same time, the carving craftsmanship of this work has reached a pinnacle, perfectly combining traditional cultural elements with modern aesthetics, making it a rare artistic treasure.”
Based on the results of this auction, the high-end Hetian jade market is in a healthy and vibrant development stage. Rare materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound cultural connotations are key factors determining its market value. With the continuous improvement of collectors' awareness of Hetian jade and its value preservation and appreciation attributes as a hard currency, the Hetian jade market is expected to maintain strong growth momentum in the future, becoming a significant highlight in the field of art investment.