Beijing, May 28, 2026 – The highly anticipated Beijing Council International 2026 Spring Art Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total turnover of RMB 1.52 billion, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 82.5%. This represents a 15% increase compared to the same period last year, indicating a strong recovery in the art market, particularly in the high-end collectibles sector. The jadeite and gemstone special session, in particular, performed exceptionally well, becoming the highlight of this spring auction.
This spring auction featured 12 special sessions, covering various categories such as Chinese paintings and calligraphy, ceramics and miscellaneous items, antique treasures, and jewelry and jadeite. The jadeite and gemstone session, with its high quality, scarcity, and stable investment value, attracted the attention of numerous collectors and investors. This session presented a total of 120 lots, with 108 successfully sold, achieving an impressive sell-through rate of 90% and a total turnover of RMB 380 million, accounting for 25% of the total auction revenue.
Featured Lot: Imperial Green Jadeite 'Fu Lu Shou Xi' Carving Fetches Record Price
Undoubtedly, the star lot of this jadeite session was Lot 3008, the 'Imperial Green Jadeite 'Fu Lu Shou Xi' Carving'. This carving, with its rare imperial green hue, exquisite craftsmanship, and auspicious symbolism, garnered significant attention during the preview. After multiple rounds of intense bidding, it ultimately sold for an astonishing RMB 88 million, far exceeding its pre-auction estimate of RMB 50 million, with a premium rate of 76%. The buyer was a seasoned private collector from Hong Kong. Additionally, another 'Ice-Type Yang Green Jadeite Guanyin Standing Statue' sold for RMB 32 million, exceeding its estimate by 50%. Several high-quality jadeite bangles, necklaces, and pendants also sold for prices well above their estimates, with an average premium rate of 35%.
Market Analysis: Scarcity and Investment Hedging Drive Jadeite Value Up
Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: "The outstanding performance of the jadeite session at this Council International spring auction once again confirms the investment value of high-end jadeite as a hard currency. Against the backdrop of increasing global economic uncertainty, scarce and exceptionally high-quality jadeite's hedging properties and potential for value appreciation become increasingly prominent. Particularly, top-tier jadeite such as Imperial Green and Ice-Type Yang Green, with their dwindling resources and continuously decreasing market supply, lead to ever-rising prices. The sale price of the 'Fu Lu Shou Xi' carving not only set a new auction record for Council International's jadeite carvings but also injected a strong boost into the entire jadeite market."
Ms. Wang Li, Head of the Jewelry and Watches Department at Beijing Council International Auction Co., Ltd., stated: "We are very satisfied with the results of the jadeite session at this spring auction. This is attributed to our high-standard selection of lots and precise grasp of market trends. Collectors' pursuit of high-quality jadeite has never ceased, and we observe that a younger generation of collectors is also beginning to pay attention to the artistic and cultural connotations of jadeite, which brings new vitality to the jadeite market. In the future, we will continue to delve into the high-end jadeite market, providing collectors with more exquisite pieces with collection and investment value."
Trend Prediction: Market Confidence Recovers, Boutique Route to Be Mainstream
Judging from the results of this auction, overall confidence in the art market is gradually recovering. Especially in the jadeite and gemstone sector, collectors' enthusiasm for exquisite and rare items remains undiminished. In the future, auction houses will pay more attention to quality and scarcity in lot solicitation, and adopting a 'boutique route' will be the mainstream trend in the market. At the same time, with increased information transparency and the popularization of professional appraisal knowledge, collectors will make more rational investment decisions. It is expected that within the next two years, prices for top-tier jadeite will continue to show steady growth, while the mid-to-low-end jadeite market may face greater differentiation, with quality and craftsmanship becoming key factors in determining its value.