Beijing, November 18, 2026 – The highly anticipated Beijing Council International 2026 Autumn Auction recently concluded successfully. The “Splendor of Jade – Ancient and Modern Chinese Jade Carvings” special session performed particularly well, achieving a total transaction value of RMB 185 million, with an impressive sell-through rate of 88.5%. This significantly exceeded market expectations and injected a strong dose of confidence into the currently somewhat subdued art market.
This session featured 120 meticulously selected jade carving artworks, covering archaic jade, Ming and Qing imperial jade, and masterpieces by contemporary jade carving artists. Data shows that the average transaction price per item in this session reached RMB 1.5417 million, an increase of 12.3% compared to the average price of Beijing Council International's jade carving session in the same period last year. Among them, several high-end masterpieces performed exceptionally, becoming the focus of market attention.
The leading lot, a “Qianlong Period White Jade Carved Archaistic Dragon-Patterned Vase with Loose-Ring Handles and Cover,” sold for a hammer price of RMB 38 million, with a final transaction price of RMB 43.7 million including commission. This far exceeded its upper estimate of RMB 25 million, achieving a premium rate of 74.8%. The exquisite craftsmanship, warm jade quality, and impeccable provenance of this piece attracted fierce bidding from several important collectors. Another item, a “Ming Dynasty Hetian White Jade Carved Auspicious Beast Ornament,” also sold for a high price of RMB 15.8 million, demonstrating the market's continued pursuit of Ming and Qing imperial jade.
Works by contemporary jade carving masters also performed well. For example, the “Ink Jade Skillfully Carved 'Mountain and Water Serenity' Brush Pot” by Chinese jade carving master Wu Yuanquan sold for RMB 6.5 million, an increase of nearly 30% compared to its first auction five years ago. This reflects the steady increase in the collection value of works by contemporary jade carving masters.
Market Analysis and Trend Judgement:
The success of this Beijing Council International autumn auction's jade carving session sends several clear market signals. Firstly, the resilience and scarcity value of high-end jade carvings are becoming increasingly prominent. Amid growing economic uncertainty, collectors are more inclined to invest in top-tier lots with clear historical value, artistic merit, and impeccable provenance. Such pieces often transcend market cycles, achieving value preservation and appreciation.
Secondly, the market's enthusiasm for Ming and Qing imperial jade remains undiminished. These works not only represent the pinnacle of ancient Chinese jade carving craftsmanship, but their rich cultural connotations and historical value also make them a key focus for collectors. In the future, well-preserved and well-documented Ming and Qing imperial jade will continue to be a strong commodity in the market.
Thirdly, the market recognition of contemporary jade carving masters' works is gradually improving. With the rise of a younger generation of collectors and the pursuit of a blend of traditional culture and modern aesthetics, contemporary jade carvings that combine exquisite craftsmanship, unique creativity, and cultural depth have considerable market potential. However, the market's selection of contemporary works is also becoming more rational, focusing more on the artistic height of the work and the artist's industry standing.
Expert Commentary:
Professor Li Ming, Vice President of the Chinese Jade Culture Research Association and a renowned jade appraisal expert, stated in an interview: “The performance of Beijing Council International's jade carving session is inspiring. Especially the several high-priced masterpieces fully demonstrate that in the current market environment, jade artifacts with true artistic value and historical accumulation are still highly sought after by collectors. The market is undergoing a process of refining and selecting genuine pieces. Jade carving artworks with superior jade quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and clear provenance will continue to be recognized by the market, and may even show an upward trend against the general market. For collectors, now is a good time to adjust their collection strategies and focus on masterpieces.”
Mr. Zhang Hua, Deputy General Manager and Head of the Jade Department at Beijing Council International Auction House, also pointed out: “We are very satisfied with the results of this jade carving session. This is not only due to our strict selection and precise positioning of the lots but also reflects the market's deep affection and continued confidence in traditional Chinese jade carving art. In the future, we will continue to delve into the jade carving market, discover more masterpieces with collection value and investment potential, and provide better services to collectors.”
In conclusion, the outstanding performance of Beijing Council International's 2026 Autumn Auction jade carving session has undoubtedly boosted confidence throughout the art market, signaling that after a period of adjustment, the jade carving market is gradually moving towards a healthier, more rational, and vibrant stage of development.