【Beijing, May 20, 2026】The highly anticipated China Guardian 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total transaction volume of RMB 1.85 billion, an increase of 12.8% compared to the same period last year, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 82.5%. Among them, the 'Master Collections' special session, which garnered significant attention from collectors, performed exceptionally well, becoming the biggest highlight of this spring auction. It not only boosted market confidence but also injected a strong shot in the arm for the currently somewhat volatile art market.
This spring auction featured over 20 special sessions, covering various categories including Chinese painting and calligraphy, ceramics and jade, Buddhist sculptures, rare books, stamps, and coins. Despite the prevailing uncertainties in the macroeconomic environment, Guardian, with its profound professional expertise and precise market positioning, still achieved encouraging results. Data shows that out of over 3,500 lots offered, 2,887 were sold, reaching a sell-through rate of 82.5%, significantly higher than the 76.3% achieved in the 2025 spring auction.
The 'Master Collections' special session was undoubtedly the centerpiece of this auction. This session presented 120 lots, all from renowned collectors both domestically and internationally, encompassing modern and contemporary painting and calligraphy, ancient painting and calligraphy, and some high-ancient jade artifacts. Ultimately, this session achieved a total transaction volume of RMB 620 million, with an impressive sell-through rate of 95.8%. Among these, 15 lots sold for over RMB 10 million. Most notably, Qi Baishi's 'Shrimp Fun' was hammered at RMB 85 million, far exceeding its pre-auction estimate of RMB 60 million, representing a 41.7% increase, making it the highest-priced lot of this auction. In addition, Zhang Daqian's 'Splashed Ink Landscape' also fetched RMB 68 million, demonstrating an equally strong performance. In terms of jade, a Qing Dynasty Qianlong white jade 'Fu Shou Shuang Quan' ruyi scepter sold for RMB 28 million, setting a new record for similar items in the past five years.
Mr. Guo, Vice President of China Guardian Auctions Co., Ltd. and General Manager of the Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Department, stated in an interview with reporters: "The success of this spring auction, especially the strong performance of the 'Master Collections' session, fully demonstrates the market's continued strong demand for exquisite and rare items. In the current market environment, collectors are paying more attention to the provenance, documented history, and artistic value of the lots, and master collections precisely meet these criteria. This indicates that a rational investment trend is strengthening in the market, with collectors increasingly opting for artworks with potential for value preservation and appreciation."
Professor Li, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out: "Judging from the jade transaction situation at this Guardian spring auction, high-quality ancient jade with clear lineage remains a market darling. Qing Dynasty imperial jade, Ming Dynasty literati jade, and exquisite Hetian jade pieces with unique cultural connotations and superb craftsmanship are being re-recognized and affirmed by the market for their value. Although the overall jade market is still in a period of adjustment, the prices of high-end exquisite pieces have shown strong resilience, even rising against the trend. This indicates that the jade market will further differentiate, with a more pronounced polarization, and investment will become more focused on rarity and artistry."
Looking ahead, the Chinese art market will continue to seek development amidst adjustments. The outstanding performance of this Guardian spring auction has undoubtedly injected confidence into the market. Experts generally believe that with the gradual stabilization of the economic environment and the deepening understanding of art value among collectors, the art market will exhibit a healthier and more rational development trend in the future. Special sessions like 'Master Collections', which possess profound cultural heritage and clear investment value, will continue to be favored by the market and become an important force leading market trends.