【Hong Kong, October 28, 2026】Sotheby's autumn 2026 auction, which concluded on October 26, saw remarkable results in its highly anticipated 'Jadeite Splendor: Imperial Qing Dynasty Jade' specialist sale. The total transaction value reached an impressive HK$285 million, exceeding the pre-sale high estimate by 15%. The sell-through rate was 88% by lot and 92% by value, fully demonstrating the strong resilience and rebound trend of the high-end Qing Dynasty jade market.
The sale featured 120 meticulously selected Qing Dynasty jade pieces, ranging from the prosperous Qianlong era to the late Qing period, encompassing various imperial and literati objects. The highlight lot, a 'Qianlong Period White Jade Carved Archaistic Dragon and Phoenix Motif Vase with Chi-Dragon Handles,' fetched an astonishing HK$82 million, far surpassing its high estimate of HK$45 million, making it the top-selling lot of the session. The vase, with its dignified form, lustrous jade, and exquisite carving featuring auspicious dragon and phoenix motifs, is a quintessential example of Qianlong imperial jade carving. Another notable piece, a 'Mid-Qing Period White Jade Carving of a Scholar Under Pine Trees Mountain,' also sold for HK$35 million, nearly doubling its HK$18 million estimate, indicating strong market demand for exquisite literati jade objects.
From the data, this Qing Dynasty jade sale not only achieved a brilliant total transaction value but also saw numerous lots with high premiums. Statistics show that 25% of the lots sold for more than 50% above their high estimates, with five lots even selling for more than double their estimates. This indicates that collectors still harbor immense enthusiasm and confidence in Qing Dynasty jade pieces with perfect condition, clear provenance, and superb craftsmanship. Compared to the same period last year, the overall transaction value of the Qing Dynasty jade sector increased by approximately 20%, and the average price per lot also rose by 15%, undoubtedly a positive signal for market recovery.
Mr. Li Minghua, Head of Chinese Works of Art, Sotheby's Asia, stated in a post-auction interview, "The outstanding performance of this Qing Dynasty jade sale once again confirms the safe-haven attribute and investment value of top-tier artworks amidst global economic uncertainties. Imperial jade from the Qianlong period, in particular, with its rarity, historical and cultural value, and exquisite craftsmanship, remains highly sought after by collectors. We observed strong interest and exceptionally fierce bidding from seasoned collectors and emerging buyers from Greater China, North America, and and Europe."
Professor Wang, a veteran jade connoisseur and market commentator, pointed out, "The results of this auction convey several important messages. Firstly, the market continues to highly recognize 'authentic, exquisite, and rare' Qing Dynasty jade, especially those with clear imperial provenance or significant scholarly records. Secondly, a younger generation of collectors is gradually emerging, with their aesthetic and value judgments on jade maturing, willing to pay a premium for high-quality artworks. Lastly, the gradual stabilization of the global economic environment has also instilled confidence in the art market, and it is expected that the high-end Qing Dynasty jade market will continue to grow steadily in the next two years, with prices for exquisite pieces potentially reaching new highs."
Looking ahead, with the further recovery of the global economy and the continuous rise in art investment enthusiasm, the value of Qing Dynasty jade, especially imperial masterpieces, will be more fully realized. The success of Sotheby's autumn auction undoubtedly injected a strong boost into the entire art market, heralding the arrival of a vibrant new era of collecting.