【Beijing, November 15, 2026】China Guardian's 2026 Autumn Auction recently concluded with great success, achieving a total transaction volume exceeding RMB 2.5 billion and an impressive sell-through rate of 82.5%. The highly anticipated “Jade and Precious Objects” special sale was particularly outstanding, with a total turnover of RMB 380 million and a sell-through rate of 91.3%. High-end Hetian jade carvings, in particular, with their exceptional material, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound cultural connotations, became the biggest highlight of this auction, further demonstrating the resilience and vitality of China's high-end art market.
In this autumn auction, a Qing Dynasty Qianlong period Hetian jade seed material auspicious beast carving titled “Auspicious Beasts Presenting Good Fortune” fetched an astonishing RMB 68 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate (RMB 40-50 million), becoming the highest-priced lot of the session. The jade piece boasts a warm and delicate texture, first-grade whiteness, and exquisite carving, with the auspicious beast vividly rendered, symbolizing good fortune. It sparked intense bidding on-site and was ultimately acquired by an anonymous collector. Another Hetian jade mountain carving, “Gathering in Mountains and Rivers,” sold for RMB 35 million, an increase of 25% over its estimate. Furthermore, multiple Hetian jade masterpieces estimated above RMB 5 million successfully changed hands, with an average premium rate exceeding 30%, indicating strong market demand for high-quality Hetian jade.
According to Mr. Zhang Hua, Vice President of China Guardian Auctions and General Manager of the Jade and Crafts Department: “The excellent performance of Hetian jade carvings in this autumn auction once again proves the scarcity of top-tier Hetian jade resources and its potential for value preservation and appreciation as a hard currency. Collectors have shown immense enthusiasm for exquisite pieces that combine material quality, craftsmanship, and cultural connotations. We have observed that the market's pursuit of ancient jades with clear provenance, orderly lineage, and perfect condition, especially imperial-level works with historical and cultural value, continues to rise.”
Professor Li Ming, a market analyst, pointed out: “The overall Chinese art market in 2026 shows a steady upward trend, with the jade sector, especially high-end Hetian jade, exhibiting strong anti-cyclical characteristics. In the current context of increasing global economic uncertainty, high-net-worth individuals are more inclined to allocate assets with scarcity, cultural attributes, and long-term appreciation potential. As an important carrier of Chinese civilization, Hetian jade's cultural and artistic value is widely recognized, making it an ideal investment target. In the coming years, we expect the high-end Hetian jade market to maintain steady growth, but the selection of works will become even more stringent, and collectors will focus more on a精品 (jingpin - high-quality/boutique) strategy.”
The successful conclusion of this auction not only injected new vitality into the Chinese art market but also provided direction for Hetian jade collection and investment. As collectors' aesthetic tastes improve and their understanding of cultural value deepens, exquisite Hetian jade pieces with unique artistic charm and profound historical heritage are bound to continue to be the focus of market pursuit.