【Beijing, May 28, 2026】The highly anticipated Beijing Council International 2026 Spring Art Auction concluded successfully today. The total transaction value of this spring auction reached RMB 980 million, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 82.5%, representing a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. This indicates a strong recovery trend in the art market, especially in the jade sector. Among them, exquisite Bi Yu jade pieces performed exceptionally well, becoming the highlight of the auction.
This spring auction presented over 2,000 lots, covering various categories such as Chinese painting and calligraphy, ceramics and miscellaneous items, rare books, and modern and contemporary art. In the jade specialist sale, the Bi Yu section shone brightly, with several lots selling for prices far exceeding their estimates. Notably, a 'Qianlong Period Bi Yu Carved Dragon Motif Vase with Loose Ring Handles' was hammered at RMB 38 million, significantly surpassing its estimate of RMB 20 million, achieving a premium rate of 90% and becoming the highest-priced lot of the auction. Another 'Bi Yu Carved Mythical Beast Mountain' also sold for RMB 15 million, an increase of 50% over its estimate. The overall transaction value for the Bi Yu section reached RMB 180 million, with a sell-through rate of 95% and an average premium rate of 35%, fully demonstrating collectors' strong pursuit of high-quality Bi Yu jade.
Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: "The data from this Council International spring auction is encouraging. As an important category of traditional Chinese jade, Bi Yu, with its warm texture, profound color, and rich cultural connotations, has always been favored by collectors. The excellent performance of these exquisite Bi Yu pieces is, on the one hand, due to the market's continuous pursuit of rare and highly crafted lots; on the other hand, it also reflects the steady recovery of confidence in art investment among high-net-worth individuals amidst the gradual stabilization of the macro economy. Particularly, Bi Yu with clear provenance, excellent condition, and well-documented lineage is highly recognized by the market for its potential to preserve and increase value."
Professor Wang, a council member of the China Jade Culture Research Association, also stated: "From the results of this auction, it appears that collectors' aesthetic and value recognition of Bi Yu are maturing. They are no longer blindly pursuing large pieces but are paying more attention to the fineness of the jade, the purity of the color, and the exquisiteness of the carving. Bi Yu works from the Qianlong period, due to their imperial background and ultimate craftsmanship, have always held a high position in the market. The transaction price of the 'Bi Yu Carved Dragon Motif Vase with Loose Ring Handles' once again confirms the rarity and irreplicability of top-tier imperial jade."
Regarding market trends, analysts generally believe that high-quality, rare Bi Yu materials will remain a market hot spot in the coming years. Especially Bi Yu works with historical and cultural backgrounds, from renowned masters, or with clear provenance, their value will continue to climb. At the same time, with the rise of a younger generation of collectors, some uniquely designed Bi Yu ornaments and decorative pieces that blend traditional and modern aesthetics will also gain more attention. However, for ordinary quality Bi Yu, the market may show differentiation, and investment needs to be more cautious.
The successful conclusion of this Beijing Council International spring auction undoubtedly injected a strong shot in the arm for the 2026 art market. It not only demonstrated the resilience and vitality of the Chinese art market but also pointed out new directions for Bi Yu collecting. With the gradual global economic recovery and the continuous enhancement of cultural confidence, we have reason to believe that the Chinese art market, especially the jade sector, will embrace broader development space.