Beijing, November 28, 2026 – The highly anticipated Beijing Council International 2026 Autumn Art Auction concluded successfully yesterday. The total transaction value of this autumn auction reached RMB 385 million, with a high transaction rate of 82.5%, demonstrating the market's strong demand for exquisite artworks. Among them, the Southern Red Agate special session performed exceptionally well, becoming the biggest highlight of this auction, with its transaction value accounting for nearly 30% of the total, once again confirming its unique position in the collectibles market.
This Southern Red Agate special session presented a total of 120 lots, with 108 lots successfully sold, achieving a high transaction rate of 90%. The total transaction value reached RMB 112 million, an increase of 18.5% compared to the same period last year. Notably, a “Magnificent Landscape” Southern Red Agate carving weighing 2.5 kilograms sold for a high price of RMB 18.5 million, far exceeding its pre-auction estimate (RMB 12-15 million), becoming the highest-priced lot in this auction. Another “Fu Lu Shou Xi” (Good Fortune, Prosperity, Longevity, Happiness) Southern Red Agate bracelet, composed of 20 persimmon-red beads with a diameter of 1.8cm, sold for RMB 3.8 million, an premium rate of 26.7%. In addition, multiple Southern Red Agate carvings and bead strings were sold at prices higher than their estimates, indicating collectors' strong pursuit of high-quality Southern Red Agate.
Market Analysis and Trend Judgment:
Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: “The outstanding performance of Southern Red Agate in this Council International autumn auction is not accidental. In recent years, the Southern Red Agate market has continued to heat up. Its rarity, unique red hue, and profound cultural heritage have made it a new favorite among collectors. Especially against the backdrop of increasing global economic uncertainty, artworks and gemstone collectibles with potential for value preservation and appreciation are more favored. We have observed that collectors' awareness of Southern Red Agate is continuously improving, and its collector base is also expanding, from traditional jade enthusiasts to a wider range of art investors.”
Mr. Li Ming further analyzed: “From the transaction data, high-quality, large-carat, exquisitely carved Southern Red Agate masterpieces remain the focus of market pursuit. Especially those with pure colors like persimmon red and cherry red, and fine textures, still have considerable room for price appreciation. In the next few years, as high-quality raw material resources are increasingly depleted, the scarcity of Southern Red Agate will become even more prominent, and its market value is expected to continue to rise. However, investors also need to be wary of ordinary materials and counterfeits in the market, and choosing reputable auction houses and dealers is crucial.”
Expert Commentary:
Professor Wang, Vice President of the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China and a renowned jade appraisal expert, stated: “The transaction results of Southern Red Agate in this Council International autumn auction are inspiring. It not only reflects the intrinsic value of Southern Red Agate as a precious gemstone but also demonstrates the market's recognition of its cultural and artistic value. The transaction price of the ‘Magnificent Landscape’ carving set a new high for similar lots in recent years, which fully illustrates the scarcity and collection potential of top-grade Southern Red Agate. For collectors, choosing Southern Red Agate works with unique designs, exquisite craftsmanship, and good appearance will be key to future investment and value preservation.”
Professor Wang also emphasized: “The collection of Southern Red Agate is not only an accumulation of wealth but also a continuation of traditional Chinese culture. Its red color symbolizes auspiciousness and festivity, and it is deeply loved by the Chinese people. With the enhancement of cultural confidence, the cultural attributes of Southern Red Agate will provide a more solid support for its market value.”
In summary, the successful holding of the Beijing Council International 2026 Autumn Auction, especially the outstanding performance of the Southern Red Agate special session, has injected new vitality into the art market. In the future, Southern Red Agate is expected to continue its strong growth momentum and become an important and indispensable segment in the collectibles market.