【Hong Kong, November 18, 2026】Sotheby's Hong Kong Autumn Sale 2026 concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total turnover of US$285 million, exceeding the pre-sale high estimate by 15%, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 88%. This demonstrates a strong recovery momentum in the high-end art market. Among them, the highly anticipated 'Fine Chinese Art' special sale performed exceptionally well, with a Western Han Dynasty 'White Jade Bi with Dragon and Phoenix Motif', estimated at US$15-20 million, fetching an astonishing US$32.5 million. This became the top lot of the auction and set a new record for ancient jade auctions in the past five years.
The undisputed highlight of this auction was the 'White Jade Bi with Dragon and Phoenix Motif', measuring 25 cm in diameter. This jade bi boasts a warm luster, exquisite craftsmanship, and vivid dragon and phoenix motifs, showcasing the imperial grandeur of the Han Dynasty. After more than 20 rounds of intense bidding, it was finally acquired by an anonymous Asian collector via telephone bid. Its hammer price represented a premium of 62.5% above the high estimate, fully reflecting the rarity and collectible value of top-tier ancient jade in the market.
In addition to this star lot, other ancient jade bi also performed strongly. A 'Warring States Period Celadon Jade Bi with Grain Pattern', estimated at US$3-5 million, sold for US$8.2 million, a premium of 64%. A set of five 'Liangzhu Culture Cong and Bi Jades' also fetched US$1.2 million, significantly exceeding its US$600,000 estimate. Overall, the ancient jade segment achieved a sell-through rate of 95% and a total turnover of US$85 million, accounting for nearly 30% of the total sale, becoming a core growth driver for this autumn auction.
Nicolas Chow, Chairman of Sotheby's Asia, stated after the auction: "We are very pleased with the results of this autumn sale, particularly the outstanding performance of the ancient jade segment. This not only reflects collectors' continued pursuit of top-tier art but also signals a strong return of confidence in the art market, especially the Chinese ancient art market, amidst global economic recovery. The successful sale of the 'White Jade Bi with Dragon and Phoenix Motif' once again proves that treasures with profound historical heritage, exquisite craftsmanship, and unique aesthetic value will always find their true worth, regardless of market fluctuations."
Market analyst Li Ming pointed out: "The data from this Sotheby's autumn sale is very compelling. Ancient jade bi, as a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, has always maintained a stable market value. The high premium achieved this time is partly due to the growing investment demand for rare artworks among global high-net-worth individuals, and partly reflects the deepening research and enhanced value recognition of Chinese ancient art in the market. In the coming years, we anticipate that high-end ancient jade, especially those with clear provenance, excellent condition, and historical documentation, will see further price appreciation."
From a broader market trend perspective, the success of the 2026 autumn sale has injected a strong boost into the global art market. Against the backdrop of gradual economic stabilization and ample liquidity, art as an alternative investment asset is becoming increasingly attractive. Particularly, Chinese ancient artworks with cultural symbolic significance and rarity are gradually becoming new favorites in the international collecting community. The remarkable performance of this auction will undoubtedly further consolidate Hong Kong's position as Asia's art trading hub and lay a solid foundation for the upcoming 2027 spring sale.