BEIJING, May 18, 2026 – China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total turnover of RMB 2.65 billion, a 15% increase compared to the same period last year, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 82%. Notably, the highly anticipated 'Jade Carvings and Works of Art' specialist sale performed exceptionally well, exceeding RMB 380 million in total sales and achieving a 91% sell-through rate, demonstrating a strong recovery in the high-end Hetian jade market.
The highlight of this spring auction was undoubtedly several rare Hetian jade carvings. Among them, a white jade mountain carving titled 'Auspicious Beasts Presenting Good Fortune,' with its warm jade quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and auspicious symbolism, started at RMB 28 million. After multiple rounds of intense bidding, it finally sold for RMB 45 million, an impressive premium rate of 60.7%, becoming the highest-priced lot of the auction. According to China Guardian Auction House, this carving weighs 12.5 kilograms, boasts fine and lustrous jade, is free of flaws or cracks, and its carving technique inherits the Qing dynasty imperial style, making it a truly rare masterpiece.
Another highly anticipated piece, the 'Blessings and Longevity' spinach-green jade Ruyi scepter, with its rich spinach-green hue and delicate form, sold for RMB 18 million, 20% higher than its estimate. In addition, several small and medium-sized Hetian jade pebble carvings and pendants also performed well, with average transaction prices increasing by 10% to 15% compared to last year, indicating sustained market demand for high-quality Hetian jade.
Mr. Zhang Ming, Vice President of China Guardian Auctions and General Manager of the Jade Carvings and Works of Art Department, stated in an interview: "The outstanding performance of Hetian jade carvings in this spring auction fully confirms our judgment on the recovery of the high-end jade market. In the current economic environment, high-quality, rare artworks, especially Hetian jade with cultural connotations and potential for value preservation and appreciation, remain the preferred choice for collectors' asset allocation. The success of this auction also benefits from our strict control over the provenance of the lots and our precise understanding of market demand."
Ms. Li Hua, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out: "The data from the 2026 spring auction is encouraging. The high-price transactions of top-tier Hetian jade carvings like 'Auspicious Beasts Presenting Good Fortune' not only boosted market confidence but also further established the value benchmark for exquisite Hetian jade. We observe that collectors are increasingly demanding in terms of jade quality, craftsmanship, subject matter, and traceable provenance. The market is gradually returning to rationality and a focus on high-quality pieces. In the coming years, the Hetian jade market is expected to show a polarized trend, with high-quality, rare Hetian jade continuing to maintain strong growth, while ordinary jade materials and works of average craftsmanship face greater market pressure."
From a macro perspective, with the gradual global economic recovery and domestic consumption upgrading, the art market, especially traditional Chinese artworks with deep cultural heritage, is embracing new development opportunities. As the 'National Jade,' Hetian jade's unique cultural value and scarcity make it an ideal choice for long-term investment and collection. The success of this China Guardian spring auction undoubtedly injects a strong boost into the jade market for 2026 and beyond, signaling the arrival of a more active and healthy era for Hetian jade collecting.