Beijing, May 18, 2026 – The highly anticipated Beijing Council International 2026 Spring Art Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total transaction volume of RMB 1.25 billion and an impressive sell-through rate of 82.3%. Among them, the exquisite Bi Yu jade special session performed exceptionally well, becoming the biggest highlight of this spring auction. It not only set new records in transaction volume but also injected a strong shot of confidence into the currently somewhat sluggish jade market.
This spring auction presented over 2,000 lots, covering various categories including Chinese painting and calligraphy, porcelain and miscellaneous items, rare books, and contemporary art. However, the most attention was undoubtedly drawn to the “Condensing Green Radiance – Important Bi Yu Jade Masterpieces” special session. This session featured 85 Bi Yu jade lots, with 78 ultimately sold, achieving a high sell-through rate of 91.8%, significantly exceeding the overall average. The total transaction volume for this session reached RMB 280 million, a 25% increase compared to the Bi Yu jade session in the same period last year, demonstrating strong market demand for high-quality Bi Yu jade.
Several important Bi Yu jade pieces performed outstandingly in this auction. Among them, a Qing Dynasty Qianlong period “Bi Yu Jade Carved Landscape and Figures Large Screen Insert” fetched a high price of RMB 48 million, far exceeding its pre-auction estimate of RMB 28 million, representing a remarkable increase of 71.4%. Another “Hindustan Style Bi Yu Jade Scrollwork Lotus Pattern Covered Box” was also acquired by a collector for RMB 22 million, an increase of 46.7% from its estimated price of RMB 15 million. The successful sales of these high-priced lots not only set new auction records for similar Bi Yu jade items but also fully demonstrated the scarcity and potential for value preservation and appreciation of top-tier Bi Yu jade in the art market.
Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: “The excellent performance of the Bi Yu jade special session at this Council International spring auction is a strong testament to the return of value for exquisite jade. In the current economic environment, collectors’ investment willingness and confidence in art pieces with clear historical provenance, exquisite craftsmanship, and superior materials, especially hard currencies like Qianlong period Bi Yu jade, have significantly strengthened. The high sell-through rate and significant premium space indicate that the jade market, particularly the high-end Bi Yu jade segment, is gradually emerging from its adjustment period and embracing new development opportunities.”
Mr. Dong Guoqiang, Chairman of Beijing Council International Auction Co., Ltd., stated in an interview: “We are very satisfied with the results of this spring auction, especially the performance of the Bi Yu jade special session, which exceeded expectations. This is due to our strict selection of lots and precise grasp of market trends. Collectors’ preference for Bi Yu jade reflects their recognition of traditional culture and exquisite craftsmanship, and also demonstrates the market’s pursuit of scarce resources. We believe that high-quality Bi Yu jade will continue to be a popular investment category in the art market in the future.”
From a macro perspective, the overall transaction data of this spring auction also conveyed positive signals. The total transaction volume of RMB 1.25 billion and a sell-through rate of 82.3% both showed significant improvements compared to the same period last year, indicating a recovery in overall confidence in the art market. Despite ongoing global economic uncertainties, the Chinese art market has demonstrated strong resilience with its unique cultural value and increasingly mature collector base. In the future, as the economic environment further stabilizes, the art market is expected to maintain steady growth, and exquisite pieces with scarcity, artistic merit, and historical value will continue to be the focus of collectors' pursuit.