BEIJING, November 25, 2026 – The highly anticipated Poly 2026 Autumn Auction concluded successfully yesterday. The ancient jade special session performed particularly well, achieving a total transaction value of RMB 285 million, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 89.5%, significantly exceeding market expectations. This achievement not only demonstrates the strong recovery of the ancient jade market but also injects new vitality into the future art market.
This ancient jade special session presented a total of 120 lots, covering various jade artifacts from the Neolithic age to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Among them, high-ancient jade (pre-Han Dynasty) stood out, becoming the highlight of this auction. A 'Warring States Period Celadon Jade Dragon-shaped Pendant,' estimated at RMB 18 million to 25 million, finally hammered for a high price of RMB 32.5 million, with a premium rate of 30%, acquired by an anonymous telephone bidder. Another 'Western Han White Jade Chilong-patterned Belt Hook' also sold for RMB 15.8 million, a 25% premium over its upper estimate.
Data analysis shows that the average price per lot in this auction reached RMB 2.65 million, an increase of 15% compared to the same period last year. All exquisite jade pieces estimated above RMB 5 million were sold, indicating the continued pursuit of rare ancient jade by high-end collectors. The sell-through rate for mid-to-low-end lots (estimated below RMB 500,000) also reached 85%, indicating an improvement in both market depth and breadth.
Mr. Zhang Lin, General Manager of Poly Auction's Antiquities Department, stated in an interview: "The excellent performance of the ancient jade special session in this autumn auction is strong evidence of market confidence recovery. Especially the high-ancient jade segment, its unique historical and cultural value and scarcity make it a focal point for collectors. We have observed that new young collectors are increasingly interested in high-ancient jade, focusing more on the cultural connotations and artistic value of the collection, rather than just the material or craftsmanship."
Professor Li Ming, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out: "The gradual stabilization of the global economic situation and the attractiveness of art as a safe-haven asset are important factors driving the recovery of the ancient jade market. The premium sales of high-ancient jade in this auction particularly reflect the strong demand for rare ancient jade with clear provenance, excellent condition, and rich cultural connotations. In the next few years, we expect the high-ancient jade market to continue to grow steadily, while Ming and Qing jade may show differentiated development, with exquisite pieces still being sought after, but competition for common pieces will be more intense."
From the buyer structure perspective, this auction attracted collectors from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Europe, and the United States, with Asian buyers dominating, demonstrating the strong purchasing power of the Asian market for traditional Chinese art. Online bidding participation also significantly increased, with approximately 20% of the total transaction value achieved through online platforms, indicating that digital trends are profoundly influencing art transactions.
Looking ahead, with the enhancement of Chinese traditional cultural confidence and the continued vibrancy of the global art market, ancient jade, as an important carrier of Chinese civilization, its value will be further explored and recognized. Poly Auction will continue to be committed to discovering more rare ancient jade, providing collectors with a high-quality art collection platform, and continuously paying attention to new market trends to contribute to the industry's development.