【Hangzhou, November 22, 2026】The highly anticipated Xiling Yinshe 2026 Autumn Auction concluded successfully yesterday, with the 'Ancient Jade and Curio' session performing exceptionally well. The total transaction value reached RMB 185 million, with an impressive sell-through rate of 88.5%, significantly exceeding market expectations. This auction result not only highlights the scarcity and collection value of high-quality ancient jades but also injects a strong boost into the currently somewhat sluggish art market.
The ancient jade session featured a total of 126 meticulously selected lots, covering various jade artifacts from the Neolithic Age to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Among them, several high-ancient jade pieces performed outstandingly, becoming the focus of the auction. A 'Hongshan Culture Jade Pig Dragon,' estimated at RMB 28 million to 35 million, was hammered at RMB 42.5 million. Including commission, the final transaction price reached an astonishing RMB 48.875 million, with a premium rate of 25.3%, making it the 'Jade King' of the session. Another 'Warring States Period White Jade Grain-Pattern Bi' also sold for a high price of RMB 28.75 million (including commission), a 15% premium over the upper end of its estimated range. Overall, the average premium rate for high-ancient jades reached 18.7%, demonstrating collectors' deep interest in early jade culture and their pursuit of rare categories.
In contrast, jade artifacts from the Ming and Qing Dynasties performed relatively steadily, but exquisite pieces still garnered favor. A 'Qing Qianlong White Jade Carved Auspicious Beast Knob Seal' sold for RMB 8.97 million (including commission), meeting market expectations. However, some Ming and Qing jades with common themes or average condition were either unsold or sold with lower premiums, reflecting collectors' rational choices in this segment.
Mr. Lu Jingqing, Executive Director and General Manager of Xiling Yinshe Auction Co., Ltd., stated in an interview: "The success of this ancient jade session, especially the strong performance of high-ancient jades, once again confirms that top-tier artworks possess resilience and appreciation potential in any market environment. We observe that after two years of market adjustment, collectors' demand for ancient jades with clear provenance, excellent condition, and profound cultural connotations is steadily recovering. This is not merely an inflow of capital but also a re-recognition and affirmation of the value of traditional Chinese culture."
Professor Zhang Hua, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out: "The ancient jade market data from the 2026 autumn auction sends a positive signal. The increased premium rate and overall sell-through rate for high-ancient jades indicate that high-end collectors' enthusiasm for rare resources remains undiminished. Simultaneously, this reflects optimistic market expectations for future economic trends and the increasingly prominent role of art as an important component of asset allocation. However, we should also note that the performance of the mid-to-low-end market still requires observation, as collectors' tolerance for common items and flawed pieces is decreasing, prompting auction houses and sellers to pay more attention to the quality and selection of lots."
Looking ahead, with the gradual recovery of the global economy and the enhancement of cultural confidence, the ancient jade market is expected to continue its steady growth. Experts advise collectors, when investing in ancient jades, to focus on the historical value, artistic value, rarity, and preservation status of the pieces, and to seek professional appraisal and evaluation. This ancient jade session at the Xiling Yinshe Autumn Auction has undoubtedly set a positive tone for the art market in 2026 and even 2027, heralding a new era of collection filled with both opportunities and challenges.