BEIJING, November 20, 2026 – The highly anticipated Poly 2026 Autumn Art Auction concluded successfully yesterday. In the current somewhat complex economic environment, this autumn auction, with its meticulously curated 'Jade Splendor – Contemporary Chinese Jade Carving Masters' Special Session,' successfully boosted market confidence. Both the total transaction volume and the sell-through rate were impressive, indicating that the high-end jade collecting market is gradually emerging from its adjustment period and entering a new phase of development.

Impressive Transaction Data, Masterpieces Stand Out

The total transaction volume for this autumn auction reached RMB 1.28 billion. The 'Jade Splendor' special session performed exceptionally well, with a total transaction volume of RMB 350 million and a high sell-through rate of 88.5%. This data significantly exceeded market expectations and was higher than the 75% sell-through rate of Poly's spring auction jade special session, showing a strong increase of 13.5 percentage points.

The most prominent item in the special session was contemporary jade carving master Wu Desheng's white jade seed material 'Guanyin Statue.' With its exquisite carving, warm jade quality, and profound cultural connotations, this piece sparked fierce bidding on-site, ultimately selling for RMB 88 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate (RMB 50 million - 70 million), becoming the 'top lot' of this autumn auction. Another piece, a jasper 'Landscape Plaque' by Yang Guang, also sold for RMB 35 million, achieving a premium rate of 20%. In addition, works by other renowned masters such as Cui Lei and Jiang Xi also sold for high prices, with many lots exceeding a 15% premium rate.

Market Analysis: Scarcity and Artistic Value Drive the High-End Jade Market

Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: "The success of Poly's autumn auction special session for master jade carvings once again confirms that scarcity, artistic value, and the 'master effect' are core driving forces in the high-end art market. Against the backdrop of increasing economic uncertainty, collectors show a stronger willingness to purchase artworks with clear value anchors that are less prone to depreciation. The works of top jade carving masters are not only made of precious materials but also embody profound cultural heritage and exquisite craftsmanship. Their artistic and collection value is incomparable to ordinary commercial jade."

He further analyzed: "In recent years, the resources of high-quality Hetian jade seed material have become increasingly depleted, making every fine piece of jade even more precious. Contemporary jade carving masters, while inheriting tradition, incorporate modern aesthetics to create unique artworks, greatly enhancing the added value of jade. This combination of 'good material, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound meaning' is key to its resilience in the market."

Expert Commentary and Market Trend Outlook

Professor Zhang Hua, President of the China Jade Culture Research Association, stated: "The auction results are encouraging. They show that despite overall economic challenges, the art market is not monolithic. Those true masterpieces with artistic value and cultural connotations can still win the favor of collectors. Especially contemporary jade carving, after years of development, has formed a mature artistic system and a group of artists with international influence. Their works are not only symbols of wealth but also carriers of cultural heritage."

Professor Zhang predicted that in the coming years, the high-end jade carving market will show the following trends:

  • Increased polarization: Master-level, museum-quality masterpieces will continue to strengthen, while ordinary commercial jade may face greater price pressure.

  • Return to cultural value: Collectors will pay more attention to the cultural connotation, historical heritage, and artistic innovation of the works, rather than just the material itself.

  • Brand effect prominence: The certification and promotion by renowned auction houses and authoritative institutions will further enhance the market recognition of the works.

  • International perspective: With the increasing influence of Chinese culture, Chinese jade carving art is expected to attract more international collectors' attention.


Mr. Wang Qiang, Executive Director of Poly Auction, stated in an interview: "We are very satisfied with the results of this autumn auction. This is not only an affirmation of our team's efforts but also the best proof of the vitality of traditional Chinese culture and art. In the future, we will continue to cultivate the high-end art market, discover more potential artists and masterpieces, and provide global collectors with higher quality services and richer collection choices."

The success of this Poly autumn auction has undoubtedly injected a strong shot in the arm into the long-sluggish art market and pointed the way for the high-end jade collecting field, signaling the arrival of a more rational, art-value-focused collecting era.