China Guardian 2026 Autumn Auction: Hetian Jade Carvings Lead, Market Shows Significant Recovery

【Beijing, November 15, 2026】China Guardian 2026 Autumn Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total turnover of RMB 2.85 billion, with a high sell-through rate of 82.3%. Among them, the highly anticipated “Jade and Curios” special session performed exceptionally well, with a total turnover exceeding RMB 320 million and a sell-through rate reaching 88.5%, an increase of 15.7% compared to the same period last year, indicating a strong rebound in the high-end jade market.

In this autumn auction, a star lot named “'Auspicious Beast' Hetian Jade Seed Material Carving” became the focus of the entire event due to its warm texture, exquisite craftsmanship, and auspicious meaning. The carving ultimately sold for an astonishing RMB 85 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate (RMB 50 million-60 million), with a premium rate as high as 41.6%, setting a new auction record for Hetian jade carvings in the past three years. According to the person in charge of Guardian Auctions, this carving weighs 1.5 kilograms, with delicate and oily jade quality, no flaws or cracks, and the carved auspicious beast is vivid and fluid in lines, making it a model of Hetian jade carving art.

In addition, many mid-to-high-end Hetian jade works also achieved impressive results. For example, a “'Landscape Gathering' Hetian Jade Mountain Carving” sold for RMB 22 million, and another “Qianlong White Jade Carved Taotie Pattern Covered Vase” was hammered at RMB 18.5 million. Overall, the average transaction price of Hetian jade lots in this autumn auction increased by about 12% compared to the same period last year, especially for exquisite pieces with perfect condition, rare themes, and carved by renowned artists, whose price increases were even more significant.

Market Analysis and Trend Judgment:

Mr. Li Ming, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out that the excellent performance of the Hetian jade market in this Guardian autumn auction is the result of multiple factors. First, the gradual recovery of the macro economy has boosted the confidence of high-net-worth individuals in art investment. Second, as a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, Hetian jade’s scarcity and value preservation and appreciation attributes make it a high-quality choice for hedging and wealth inheritance in the current complex investment environment. Furthermore, after several years of market adjustment, some bubbles have been squeezed out, the market has returned to rationality, and collectors have a clearer understanding of the value of exquisite Hetian jade.

Mr. Li Ming further predicted that in the next few years, the Hetian jade market will show the following trends:

• Intensified trend towards high-quality goods: Collectors will increasingly favor exquisite Hetian jade with superior quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich cultural connotations, while ordinary materials or works with mediocre craftsmanship will face greater market pressure.


• Prominence of master artists' effect: Works by renowned jade carving masters will continue to be sought after, and their artistic and market value will be further enhanced.


• Strengthened cultural attributes: Hetian jade works with historical allusions, auspicious meanings, or unique cultural symbols will be more favored by collectors.


• Emphasis on both investment and collection: The investment attribute of Hetian jade will be more closely integrated with its collection attribute, and works with both artistic beauty and appreciation potential will become the mainstream of the market.

Professor Wang, Vice President of the China Jade Culture Research Association, stated: “The transaction situation of Hetian jade carvings in this autumn auction is inspiring. Especially the 'Auspicious Beast' carving, its high price not only reflects the market's recognition of top-grade Hetian jade but also reflects the collectors' deep affection for traditional cultural art. This indicates that the Chinese jade market is undergoing an important value return and structural optimization, and the future prospects are promising.”

In summary, the success of the Hetian jade special session at China Guardian 2026 Autumn Auction has undoubtedly injected a shot in the arm for the entire jade market, heralding the arrival of a healthier, more rational, and vibrant new stage for the market. Collectors and investors should pay close attention to market dynamics and seize investment opportunities in high-quality goods.