Christie's Spring 2026 Auction: Ancient Jade Pendants Achieve New Heights, Market Enthusiasm Continues to Soar

【Hong Kong, May 18, 2026】Christie's Hong Kong Spring 2026 Auction concluded successfully yesterday, with the highly anticipated 'Gilt Bronze and Jade: Important Ancient Jade Pendants' specialist sale performing exceptionally well, once again affirming the strong growth momentum in the ancient jade market. The sale featured 120 exquisite ancient jade pendants, with 108 pieces sold, achieving an impressive 90% sell-through rate. The total sale value reached an astonishing HKD 285 million, significantly exceeding the pre-sale estimate of HKD 220 million, with a premium rate of 29.5%.

The highlight of this specialist sale was undoubtedly a 'Dragon and Phoenix Motif Celadon Jade Bi Disc' from the Warring States period. Measuring 18.5 cm in diameter, the jade disc boasts a warm luster, exquisite craftsmanship, and intricate yet dynamic carvings. After multiple rounds of intense bidding, it was finally hammered down for HKD 48 million, acquired by an anonymous Asian collector, far surpassing its high estimate of HKD 30 million, achieving a single item premium rate of 60%. Another highly anticipated Western Han 'Chilong Dragon Motif White Jade Huang' also sold for HKD 22 million, nearly 47% above its estimate of HKD 15 million. Furthermore, several high-ancient jade pendants from the Spring and Autumn and Han dynasties sold for prices 20% to 40% above their estimates, demonstrating the market's strong appetite for high-quality ancient jade.

Market Analysis:

Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: "The success of Christie's Spring 2026 ancient jade pendant specialist sale is not accidental. In recent years, with increasing global economic uncertainties, the art market, as an important asset allocation method, has increasingly highlighted its function of hedging and preserving value. Ancient jade, especially high-ancient jade, due to its scarcity, historical and cultural value, and artistic aesthetic value, has become a favored object for many collectors. The high sell-through rate and high premium rate in this auction fully demonstrate the strong demand for exquisite ancient jade pendants in the market. Collectors are more stringent in their consideration of jade quality, craftsmanship, condition, and provenance, and are willing to pay higher premiums for treasures that meet these standards."

From a geographical distribution perspective, the buyer base for this auction showed a diversified trend. In addition to traditional collectors from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and mainland China, new collectors from Europe, America, and Southeast Asia also showed strong interest, indicating that the international influence of ancient jade is gradually expanding. The enhanced understanding of the cultural value of ancient jade among the younger generation of collectors has also injected new vitality into the market.

Trend Forecast:

We anticipate that the ancient jade market will continue to maintain steady growth in the future. The following trends are worth noting:

• Intensified Focus on High-Quality Items: The market will increasingly concentrate on rare, exquisite pieces with superior jade quality, superb craftsmanship, perfect condition, and clear provenance. Price increases for ordinary jade categories will be relatively stable, while prices for top-tier collectibles are expected to continue to break records.


• Return to Cultural Value: With the revival of excellent traditional Chinese culture, collectors' understanding of the historical, philosophical, and aesthetic values embodied by ancient jade will further deepen, which will drive an increase in its market value.


• Expansion of International Vision: Auction houses and galleries will intensify their efforts to promote ancient Chinese jade to the international market, attracting more overseas collectors and further broadening the market scope.


• Academic Research Support: Professional academic research and publications will provide a more solid theoretical foundation for the authentication and valuation of ancient jade, enhancing market confidence.

Professor Wang, a renowned jade connoisseur, stated: "The outstanding performance of ancient jade pendants at Christie's Spring Auction once again confirms the unique charm and investment value of high-ancient jade. Jade from the Warring States and Han dynasties, with its magnificent and exquisite artistic style, has always been a focal point for collectors. It is worth noting that some well-preserved and uniquely patterned Spring and Autumn period jade pendants also fetched impressive prices in this auction, indicating that the market's aesthetic preferences for high-ancient jade from different periods are gradually broadening. For new collectors, I recommend learning more, examining physical objects, and collaborating with reputable auction houses and experts to avoid blindly following trends and ensure the quality and value of their collections."

Overall, the success of Christie's Spring 2026 ancient jade pendant specialist sale has injected a strong shot in the arm for the entire art market. In the foreseeable future, ancient jade, especially those exquisite pieces carrying profound historical and cultural heritage, still holds immense potential for market value appreciation.