【Beijing, May 28, 2026】The highly anticipated Beijing Council International 2026 Spring Art Auction concluded successfully yesterday. This spring sale, with its diversified lot structure and robust transaction performance, once again demonstrated the strong resilience of the art market. Among them, the exquisite Bi-Yu jade pieces, highly sought after by collectors, performed particularly brilliantly, becoming the highlight of this auction.
Bi-Yu Jade Sector Shines, Transaction Data Reaches New Highs
This spring auction offered over 1,500 lots, with a total turnover reaching RMB 1.28 billion and a high sell-through rate of 82.5%. Among various categories, the Bi-Yu jade special session was undoubtedly the biggest highlight. This session presented 80 meticulously selected Bi-Yu jade lots, with 75 ultimately sold, achieving an impressive sell-through rate of 93.75%. The total transaction value reached RMB 350 million, accounting for 27.3% of the total turnover.
Notably, a 'Bi-Yu Jade Carved Nine-Dragon Washer' from the Qing Dynasty, Qianlong period, fetched a high price of RMB 85 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate (RMB 50-60 million) with a premium rate of 41.6%, becoming the 'star lot' of this spring auction. Another 'Bi-Yu Jade Carved Mountain with Scholars under Pine Trees' also sold for RMB 42 million, an increase of 20% over its estimate. Overall, the price increase for exquisite Bi-Yu jade was significant, with an average premium rate exceeding 25%, fully demonstrating the market scarcity and collection value of top-tier Bi-Yu jade.
Market Analysis: Scarcity and Cultural Value Drive Bi-Yu Jade Market
Mr. Li Ming, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out: "The strong performance of the Bi-Yu jade sector in this Council International spring auction is not accidental. In recent years, the increasing scarcity of high-quality Bi-Yu jade resources, coupled with its profound cultural heritage and exquisite craftsmanship, has jointly pushed up market prices. Particularly, imperial Bi-Yu jade from the Qing Dynasty, Qianlong period, is highly favored by collectors due to its superior material, meticulous carving, and auspicious symbolism. The multiple high-premium transactions of exquisite Bi-Yu jade in this auction all confirm this trend. In the future, Bi-Yu jade works with clear provenance, complete condition, and unique artistic style still have room for further value appreciation."
Expert Commentary: Optimized Collector Structure, Enhanced Investment Attributes
Ms. Wang Fang, Deputy General Manager and Head of the Jade Department at Beijing Council International Auction House, stated: "We are very satisfied with the results of this spring auction, especially the excellent performance of the Bi-Yu jade sector, which exceeded our expectations. This reflects that the current art market, particularly the high-quality jade market, is undergoing an optimization of its collector structure. More and more younger generation collectors and institutional investors are beginning to pay attention to jade collection, valuing not only the aesthetic appeal of art but also holding positive expectations for its investment attributes. Furthermore, we have observed that collectors' professional appreciation skills and their grasp of market trends are continuously improving, which compels us to invest more effort in lot solicitation and academic research."
Future Trend Outlook: Refinement and Academic Focus to Become Mainstream
Looking ahead, the art market will continue to show a trend of refinement and academic focus. For jade collection, in addition to the inherent scarcity of the material, the cultural connotation, historical heritage, and uniqueness of the carving craftsmanship will become key factors determining its value. Auction houses will continue to delve into niche markets, providing collectors with more high-quality, high-value artworks through rigorous academic research and professional market promotion. At the same time, with the gradual recovery of the global economy, art as an important asset allocation method, its investment value will be further highlighted. Beijing Council International will continue to uphold the principles of professionalism and integrity, contributing to the prosperous development of the Chinese art market.