[Hong Kong, November 25, 2026] Christie's Hong Kong Autumn Sale 2026 concluded successfully, with the highly anticipated 'Chinese Ancient Jades and Works of Art' specialist sale performing exceptionally well. In particular, the ancient jade pendant section achieved new highs in both total sales and sell-through rate over the past five years, demonstrating strong market demand and renewed confidence in high-quality ancient jades.
This autumn sale featured a total of 120 ancient jade pendant lots, with 108 pieces successfully sold, achieving an impressive sell-through rate of 90%. The total sales reached HKD 285 million, a 28% increase compared to the same period last year. Several exquisite jade pendants sold for prices significantly exceeding their estimates, becoming the highlights of the auction.
The most captivating piece was a 'Western Han White Jade Dragon and Phoenix Pendant.' This pendant, with its exquisite craftsmanship, warm jade quality, and excellent preservation, was estimated at HKD 8 million to 12 million. After multiple rounds of intense bidding, it was finally hammered at HKD 38 million, an astounding premium of 217%, acquired by an anonymous Asian collector, setting a new auction record for Western Han jade pendants in the past decade. Another piece, a 'Warring States Celadon Jade Grain-Patterned Bi Disc with Outward Protrusions,' soared from an estimate of HKD 3 million to 5 million to a final price of HKD 15.5 million, a premium of 210%, due to its unique form and exquisite grain carving. Furthermore, a 'Qing Dynasty Qianlong Period White Jade Mughal-Style Floral Pendant' also sold for HKD 12 million, doubling its upper estimate, showcasing the enduring appeal of imperial jade from the Qianlong era.
Mr. Jonathan Stone, Chairman of Christie's Asia and International Director of Chinese Art, stated at the press conference: "The outstanding performance of ancient jade pendants in this autumn sale fully demonstrates the profound recognition of the artistic value of Chinese ancient jades by global collectors. We have observed particularly strong demand in the market for ancient jade pendants with clear provenance, excellent condition, and superb craftsmanship. Especially high-ancient jades from the Han Dynasty and earlier, their historical and cultural value and artistic rarity make them a hot spot for investment and collection."
Professor Li Ming, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out: "The strong performance of ancient jade pendants at this Christie's autumn sale is not accidental. After several years of market adjustment, collectors' mindsets have become more rational, focusing more on the artistic value and cultural connotations of their collections. At the same time, the gradual stabilization of the global economic environment has also injected confidence into the high-end art market. It is expected that the ancient jade pendant market will continue to maintain steady growth in the coming years, especially for those museum-quality masterpieces, which still have significant room for price appreciation."
From the auction data, high-ancient jades (Han Dynasty and earlier) remain the focus of market pursuit, accounting for over 60% of the total sales of ancient jade pendants. Following closely are imperial jades from the Ming and Qing dynasties, particularly Qianlong-era jade pendants, which also demonstrated strong purchasing power. Geographically, Asian collectors, especially those from Greater China, remain the main force in the ancient jade pendant market, but the participation of European and American collectors has also increased.
Looking ahead, with the continuous expansion of traditional Chinese culture's influence globally and the rise of a new generation of collectors, the market potential of ancient jade pendants will be further unleashed. However, the market also reminds collectors to focus on distinguishing authenticity, choosing reputable auction houses and professional institutions, and investing rationally to enjoy the pleasure of collecting and value appreciation.