【Beijing, May 20, 2026】The highly anticipated Poly 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, with the “Gems of Jade – Important Ancient Jade Objects” special session performing exceptionally well. The total transaction value reached RMB 185 million, with a high sell-through rate of 89.5%. This represents a 15% increase in transaction value compared to the ancient jade session in the same period last year, indicating a significant resurgence in market enthusiasm for high-quality ancient jade collections.
This special session presented a total of 120 exquisite ancient jade objects, covering various jade masterpieces from the Neolithic period to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Among them, the high-ancient jade section stood out, with multiple lots selling for prices far exceeding their estimates, becoming the highlights of the session.
Key Lot Transaction Data:
* Neolithic Period, Liangzhu Culture, Jade Cong: This jade cong is grand in form, exquisitely decorated, and well-preserved, a quintessential example of Liangzhu culture jade. Estimated at RMB 28 million to 35 million, it was finally hammered at RMB 42.5 million, with a premium rate of 21%, acquired by an anonymous Asian collector, setting a new auction record for Liangzhu jade congs in the past five years.
* Western Zhou Dynasty, Jade Huang: A set of three Western Zhou jade huangs, with warm jade quality and exquisite craftsmanship, featuring typical Western Zhou period decorative styles. Estimated at RMB 8 million to 12 million, after multiple rounds of intense bidding, it finally sold for RMB 15.8 million, an increase of 31.7%.
* Han Dynasty, Jade Bi with Dragon and Phoenix Motif: This jade bi has a diameter of 25 cm, intricately carved with fine dragon and phoenix motifs, symbolizing auspiciousness, and is in excellent condition. Estimated at RMB 15 million to 20 million, it ultimately sold for RMB 22 million, demonstrating the stable position of Han dynasty jade in the market.
* Tang Dynasty, Set of Jade Belt Plaques with Auspicious Beast Motif: A total of 12 pieces, with pure white jade quality and vivid carvings, representing Tang dynasty court jade. Estimated at RMB 6 million to 8 million, it finally sold for RMB 9.5 million.
Market Analysis and Trend Prediction:
The excellent performance of the ancient jade session at this Poly Spring Auction has undoubtedly injected a strong shot in the arm for the ancient jade market, which had been sluggish for some time. From the transaction data, the market shows a high demand for scarce, well-preserved, and well-documented high-ancient jade objects. Especially the exquisite jade objects from the Neolithic and Western Zhou periods, their historical and cultural value and artistic value have been fully recognized, with prices repeatedly reaching new highs.
Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: “The success of the ancient jade segment in this spring auction is mainly due to two factors. First, the gradual recovery of the global economy has boosted the confidence of high-net-worth collectors in art investment; second, the market's recognition of ancient jade objects with genuine historical, cultural, and aesthetic value has increased, and the 'bargain hunting' mentality is gradually being replaced by the 'boutique investment' concept. In the future, we expect high-ancient jade, especially prehistoric and Three Dynasties jade with clear provenance and excellent condition, to remain the focus of market pursuit.”
At the same time, mid-to-high-grade, well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty jade objects also maintained stable sell-through rates and prices, but with relatively limited increases, indicating that this segment of the market is becoming more rational, and collectors are paying more attention to cost-effectiveness.
Expert Commentary:
Professor Wang, Vice President of the China Jade Culture Research Association, stated: “The results of this auction once again confirm the 'polarization' trend in the ancient jade market. Top-tier, museum-quality ancient jade objects will continue to appreciate in value, unaffected by short-term market fluctuations. In contrast, items of ordinary quality or with questionable provenance face greater market pressure. For collectors, in-depth study of jade culture, discerning authenticity, and paying attention to its historical and cultural background and artistic value are key to successful collecting in the future.”
Looking ahead, with the resurgence of traditional Chinese culture and the improvement of collectors' knowledge, the ancient jade market is expected to continue its healthy development, and the value of exquisite jade objects will be further highlighted.