【Beijing, May 22, 2026】China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total transaction value of RMB 2.85 billion and a sell-through rate of 82.5%. Among them, the highly anticipated 'Jade and Curios' special session performed exceptionally well, with a total transaction value exceeding RMB 320 million and a sell-through rate as high as 91.8%, fully demonstrating the resilience of the high-end jade market and collectors' continued pursuit of exquisite Hetian jade.
The highlight of this spring auction was undoubtedly several Hetian jade carvings. One such piece, a Qianlong period white jade 'Immortal Mountain and Jade Pavilion' mountain carving, was hammered down at an astonishing price of RMB 85 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate (RMB 50-60 million), with a premium rate of 41.6%, making it the highest-priced lot of the session. This mountain carving features warm and delicate jade, with exquisite craftsmanship, depicting immortal pavilions, strange pines, and grotesque rocks vividly. Its clear provenance and perfect condition were undoubtedly key to its high price.
Another highly anticipated piece, a mid-Qing period yellow jade 'Auspicious Beasts' carving, ultimately sold for RMB 32 million, representing a 28% increase compared to its transaction price in the international market five years ago (approximately RMB 25 million). This reflects the continuously increasing market recognition of the value of rare-colored Hetian jade. In addition, several small Hetian jade hand pieces and ornaments from the Ming and Qing dynasties also performed well, with an average transaction price increasing by about 15% compared to the same period last year, and sell-through rates generally maintained above 90%.
Market Analysis and Trend Judgment:
The excellent performance of the Hetian jade special session at this China Guardian spring auction sends several important market signals. Firstly, the scarcity value of high-end exquisite Hetian jade remains strong. Even in the current economic environment, its attributes as a hard currency and a value-preserving and appreciating asset are even more prominent. Collectors show strong purchasing intent and payment ability for top-tier collectibles with clear provenance, superior jade quality, and exquisite craftsmanship.
Secondly, the market's pursuit of rare-colored Hetian jade (such as yellow jade, and mutton-fat quality in black jade) is rapidly increasing. In the past few years, white jade has been the market mainstream, but with the diversification of collectors' aesthetic tastes and the pursuit of rarity, the value of other precious colored Hetian jade is being re-evaluated and enhanced.
Thirdly, the rise of a younger generation of collectors has also injected new vitality into the Hetian jade market. They pay more attention to the artistic and cultural connotations of works and show strong interest in innovative themes and works by contemporary jade carving masters, which indicates that the Hetian jade market will be more diversified in the future.
Expert Commentary:
Professor Li Ming, a renowned jade appraisal expert and Vice President of the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China, stated: “The transaction data for Hetian jade at this China Guardian spring auction is exciting. Especially that Qianlong white jade mountain carving, its high price is not only the market's recognition of top-tier art but also the inheritance and promotion of the essence of traditional Chinese culture. The current market is undergoing a structural adjustment, with a clear polarization: prices for exquisite pieces continue to rise, while ordinary goods face greater pressure. This requires collectors to pay more attention to quality, scarcity, and cultural value when investing.”
Mr. Wang Qiang, a senior auction house consultant, also pointed out: “From this auction, it seems that collectors' investment logic for Hetian jade is becoming more rational. They are no longer blindly chasing high prices but are paying more attention to the cultural heritage, historical value, and artistic expression of the works. In the next few years, we expect the Hetian jade market to show a steady upward trend, especially for collectibles with clear historical provenance, unique artistic styles, and master-level craftsmanship, their appreciation potential remains vast.”
Overall, the success of China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction, particularly the outstanding performance of the Hetian jade segment, has injected a strong boost into the long-sluggish art market, indicating that market confidence is steadily recovering, and a boutique strategy will be the core competitiveness of auction houses in the future.