Hangzhou, May 28, 2026 – The highly anticipated Xiling Yinshe 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday. The total transaction value of this spring auction reached RMB 320 million, with a high transaction rate of 82.5%, an increase of 15% compared to the same period last year. This indicates a positive signal of continuous recovery in the art market, especially the high-end collectibles market. Among them, the contemporary jade carving sector performed particularly well, becoming a major highlight of this auction.
This spring auction featured 12 special sessions, covering various categories such as Chinese painting and calligraphy, ancient books and rubbings, scholar's objects, and contemporary jade carving. Among the numerous lots, the contemporary jade carving session attracted many collectors with its exquisite craftsmanship and unique artistic value. A total of 120 works were offered in this session, with 108 pieces successfully sold, achieving a high transaction rate of 90% and a total transaction value of RMB 85 million, an increase of 25% compared to the same period in last year's autumn auction.
Specifically, several contemporary jade carving masterpieces set new personal auction records for the artists. Among them, the Hetian jade seed material 'Auspicious Beasts' ornament, designed and carved by national-level jade carving master Wang Jian, with its warm jade quality and exquisite relief and round carving techniques, was finally hammered at RMB 18.5 million, far exceeding its previous estimate of RMB 12 million, with a premium rate of 54.2%. Another piece, the Biyu 'Sound of Mountains and Rivers' hand-held piece by young jade carving artist Li Ming, with its delicate lines and profound artistic conception, soared from an estimated RMB 1.5 million to a final transaction price of RMB 3.8 million, an increase of 153%. In addition, works by a group of young and middle-aged jade carvers also performed well, with many pieces selling at prices 20%-50% higher than their estimates, demonstrating the market's recognition of new generation talents.
Mr. Zhang Hua, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: "The strong performance of the contemporary jade carving sector in this Xiling Yinshe spring auction is not accidental. In recent years, with the enhancement of cultural confidence and the maturity of collecting concepts, collectors' attention to contemporary jade carving works that combine artistry and scarcity has been increasing. Especially the masterpieces of renowned masters, their artistic and investment value is gradually being verified by the market. At the same time, the rise of a new generation of collectors has also injected new vitality into the contemporary jade carving market."
Mr. Zhao Liming, General Manager of Xiling Yinshe Auction Co., Ltd., stated in an interview: "We are very satisfied with the results of this spring auction, especially the excellent performance of the contemporary jade carving sector, which exceeded our expectations. This reflects the strong demand in the market for high-quality contemporary jade carving works with cultural connotations. In the future, we will continue to cultivate this field, discover more excellent jade carving artists and works, and provide collectors with richer choices."
Regarding market trends, it is generally believed that the contemporary jade carving market is entering a steady upward channel. On the one hand, the increasing scarcity of high-quality Hetian jade seed material provides solid value support for exquisite jade carvings; on the other hand, jade carving artists, while inheriting traditional craftsmanship, continue to innovate, integrating modern aesthetics into their works, making contemporary jade carvings more contemporary and artistically appealing. It is expected that in the next few years, the contemporary jade carving market will continue to remain active, with masterpieces by renowned masters and works by promising young artists continuing to be sought after, and prices are expected to rise further. However, at the same time, the market will also pay more attention to the artistry, completeness, and verifiable provenance of the works. Blind following and speculation will gradually decrease, and collecting will tend to be more rational and professional.