BEIJING, May 20, 2026 – The highly anticipated Poly 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total turnover of RMB 3.25 billion, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 87.6%, marking a 15.2% increase compared to the same period last year. The high-end Bi Yu (jadeite) segment was particularly outstanding, becoming the biggest highlight of this spring auction. Not only did several lots set new records for their categories, but it also demonstrated the strong demand and investment confidence in high-quality jade.
This spring auction presented over 2,000 exquisite items, covering various categories such as Chinese painting and calligraphy, ceramics and miscellaneous items, and jewelry and watches. The high-end Bi Yu special session featured 85 lots, with 78 ultimately sold, achieving a sell-through rate of 91.8% and a total turnover of RMB 480 million. This figure significantly exceeded prior market expectations, fully reflecting collectors' deep recognition of Bi Yu's collection value.
Regarding key lots, an item titled 'Ink-Jade Fusion · Bi Yu Mountain Carving', known for its delicate texture, profound color, and exquisite craftsmanship, started bidding at RMB 18 million. After multiple rounds of intense bidding, it finally hammered at RMB 38.5 million, with a premium rate of 113.9%, setting a new record for Bi Yu mountain carvings in the past five years. Another 'Hetian Bi Yu Seed Material Bracelet', with its warm tactile feel and pure color, sold for RMB 12.8 million, a 60% increase from its estimate of RMB 8 million, demonstrating the scarcity and collection value of top-grade Bi Yu seed material.
Mr. Zhang Hua, Head of Poly Auction's Jade Department, stated in an interview: “The exceptional performance of high-end Bi Yu in this spring auction is a testament to the market's dual recognition of jade's cultural and investment value. Especially for top-tier Bi Yu, its scarcity of resources and artistic uniqueness make it a preferred asset allocation for collectors in the current economic environment. We observe that the buyer base is more mature and rational, with higher demands for the quality, provenance, and cultural connotations of the lots.”
Market analyst Mr. Li Ming pointed out: “The data from the 2026 spring auction indicates that after several years of adjustment, the high-end jade market, particularly the Bi Yu segment, has entered a steady upward trend. The high sell-through rate and premium rate reflect a significant recovery in market confidence. We anticipate that in the next two years, high-quality jade lots with compelling stories and provenance will continue to be sought after by collectors, with prices expected to maintain a steady upward trajectory. Concurrently, the growing interest of younger generations in jade art will inject new vitality into the market.”
The success of this spring auction not only laid a solid foundation for Poly Auction's annual performance but also sent a positive signal to the market: against the backdrop of gradual economic recovery, the art collection market, especially the high-end jade segment, is embracing new development opportunities. Collectors are not only pursuing artistic aesthetic value but also increasingly focusing on its potential for preservation and appreciation. In the future, with the further popularization of jade culture and the improvement of market regulations, the jade collection market is expected to continue to prosper.