Beijing, May 20, 2026 – The highly anticipated Poly 2026 Spring Art Auction recently concluded successfully, with the “Congealed and Warm: Hetian Jade Seed Material Treasures” special session performing exceptionally well. The total transaction value exceeded RMB 180 million, with a remarkable 92% sell-through rate, far surpassing market expectations and injecting a strong boost into the currently somewhat subdued art market.
This special session featured 128 meticulously selected Hetian jade seed material lots, encompassing various categories such as white jade, jasper, and black jade, including several heavyweight collectibles. Data shows that the average transaction price per lot in this auction reached RMB 1.4 million, an increase of approximately 15% compared to similar lots in the same period last year, indicating a strong recovery momentum in the high-end Hetian jade seed material market.
Regarding the highlight lots, a 280-gram “Mutton-fat Jade Seed Material Hand Piece,” with its delicate and warm texture, pure white color, and exquisite carving, sparked intense bidding among collectors. It ultimately sold for a high price of RMB 28 million, with a premium rate of 65%, becoming the “top lot” of this auction. Another white jade seed material ornament named “Auspicious Beasts Presenting Good Fortune,” weighing approximately 500 grams, sold for RMB 16.5 million due to its unique natural skin color and superb contrasting color carving technique, also significantly exceeding its estimate. In addition, several high-quality, mature white jade seed material rough stones were also highly sought after, with transaction prices generally 10% to 25% higher than the upper limit of their estimated range.
Mr. Zhang Ming, Head of the Jade Department at Poly Auction, stated in an interview: “The success of this Hetian jade seed material special session is, on the one hand, due to our strict control over the quality of the lots and professional selection, and on the other hand, it reflects the rigid demand in the market for rare, high-quality Hetian jade seed materials. After several years of adjustment, collectors' understanding of jade value has become more rational, and they are more inclined to invest in exquisite pieces with cultural value and scarcity.”
Market analyst Ms. Li Hua pointed out: “The performance of the Hetian jade seed material market in the 2026 Spring Sale sends a positive signal of market recovery. The scarcity of high-end seed materials determines their long-term investment value, while the mid-to-low-end market shows a diverging trend, with prices for ordinary-quality jade still facing pressure. The high-premium lots sold this time are mostly concentrated in top-tier mutton-fat jade and high-quality white jade seed materials with characteristics such as 'mature, fine, waxy, and white,' indicating that collectors' pursuit of jade quality has reached an unprecedented level.”
From a macro perspective, the gradual recovery of the Chinese economy and the increased demand for art investment allocation among high-net-worth individuals provide a favorable environment for the recovery of the Hetian jade seed material market. At the same time, national support policies for the cultural industry have indirectly boosted market attention to traditional jade culture. It is expected that in the coming year, the high-end Hetian jade seed material market will continue to maintain steady growth, while the mid-range market will focus more on the cost-effectiveness of jade quality, and the collection threshold will increase. For investors, choosing exquisite pieces with clear provenance, superior jade quality, and exquisite carving remains key to avoiding risks and achieving value appreciation.