BEIJING, November 18, 2026 – The highly anticipated Beijing Council 2026 Autumn Art Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total turnover of RMB 1.28 billion, with an impressive sell-through rate of 82.5%, significantly exceeding market expectations. Among them, the jadeite specialist sale performed particularly strongly, with multiple rare jadeite lots fetching high prices, demonstrating the robust resilience and recovery trend of the high-end jadeite market.
In this autumn auction, the jadeite section presented 120 exquisite pieces, with 108 ultimately sold, achieving a sell-through rate of 90%. The total transaction value reached RMB 350 million, an increase of 15% compared to the same period last year. This figure not only set a new historical record for Council's jadeite specialist sale but also injected a strong shot in the arm for the currently somewhat subdued art market.
Regarding key lots, an imperial green jadeite carving named “Verdant Radiance” sold for an astonishing RMB 85 million, becoming the highest-priced lot of this autumn auction. Weighing 1.2 kilograms, the carving boasts fine texture, rich and even color, and exquisite craftsmanship. Previously estimated at RMB 60 million to 70 million, it ultimately hammered at a price 21% above the upper estimate, fully reflecting the rarity and collection value of top-tier jadeite. Another “Fu Lu Shou Xi” (Fortune, Prosperity, Longevity, Happiness) tri-color jadeite bangle sold for RMB 18 million, an increase of 12% over its estimate, also indicating the market's pursuit of high-quality, distinctive jadeite.
“The success of this Council autumn auction, especially the outstanding performance of the jadeite section, sends a positive signal,” said Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst. “In the current macroeconomic environment, the art market is undergoing structural adjustments. However, the value of top-tier scarce resources remains strong, even rising against the trend. Jadeite, as a gemstone with profound cultural heritage in the East, its investment and collection value has long been favored. The high-priced jadeite carving sold this time, with its rarity, perfection, and artistry reaching the extreme, is a rare treasure that naturally attracts top collectors.”
Wang Qiang, Vice President of the China Jade Association, pointed out: “From the results of this auction, the market's aesthetic and value judgment for jadeite is becoming more rational and mature. On the one hand, high-quality, storied, and well-documented rare jadeite pieces remain the focus of collectors' competition; on the other hand, the premium space for mid-to-low-end jadeite is narrowing, and collectors are paying more attention to cost-effectiveness and authenticity. This indicates that the market is de-bubbling and returning to its intrinsic value.”
In terms of buyer structure, this jadeite specialist sale attracted numerous private collectors and institutional investors from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. Notably, the participation of new collectors has significantly increased, indicating that the jadeite collecting community is expanding, with an increasingly apparent younger trend. They show strong interest in the cultural connotations and investment attributes of jadeite.
Looking ahead, market analysts generally believe that against the backdrop of increasing global economic uncertainty, scarce art pieces with value preservation and appreciation attributes will continue to be favored. Jadeite, as a hard currency and cultural symbol, its high-end market is expected to maintain steady growth. However, for ordinary investors, careful selection is still necessary, focusing on professional appraisal to avoid blindly following trends. With increased information transparency and improved market regulations, the jadeite market will usher in a healthier and more sustainable development.