【Hong Kong, May 18, 2026】Sotheby's Spring Sale 2026 concluded successfully, with the 'Important Chinese Art' sale particularly outstanding. Qing Dynasty jade carvings, with their exceptional quality and rarity, once again became the market's focal point. The total sales for this session reached an impressive HKD 285 million, significantly exceeding pre-sale estimates, with a sell-through rate of 89%. This robust performance fully demonstrates the strong resilience of the high-end art market and collectors' sustained pursuit of exquisite jade.
The star lot of this auction was undoubtedly a 'Qianlong Period Imperial White Jade 'Shoushan Fuhai' Seal with Mythical Beast Knob'. Carved from fine Xinjiang Hetian white jade, known for its warm and delicate texture and superb craftsmanship, this seal was once part of the Qing imperial collection. After multiple rounds of intense bidding, it was hammered down at HKD 120 million, with a final price of HKD 145 million including buyer's premium, setting a new auction record for Qing Dynasty imperial seals in the past five years and representing a 25% increase from its estimated value five years ago. Another highly anticipated lot was a 'Mid-Qing Dynasty White Jade Carving of Immortals Celebrating Longevity', featuring ingenious composition, lively figures, and pure jade color. It fetched HKD 48 million, exceeding its estimate by 30%. Additionally, several Qing Dynasty jade censers, vases, and plaques also performed well, achieving an average premium rate of 15% to 20%.
Mr. Nicolas Chow, Chairman of Sotheby's Asia, Chinese Works of Art, commented in an interview: "The outstanding performance of Qing Dynasty jade once again confirms the safe-haven attribute and investment value of top-tier artworks amidst global economic uncertainties. Collectors consistently show high enthusiasm for Qing imperial jade with clear provenance, perfect condition, and exquisite craftsmanship. Especially imperial jade from the Qianlong period, its historical and cultural value, artistic aesthetic value, and rarity make it a hard currency in the market."
Dr. Li Ming, a market analyst, pointed out: "From the data of this Sotheby's Spring Sale, the Qing Dynasty jade market shows a steady upward trend. Despite global economic challenges, the enthusiasm of high-net-worth individuals for art investment remains strong, especially for categories with profound cultural heritage and scarcity. Qing Dynasty jade, particularly imperial pieces from the Qianlong period, has entered a relatively stable high-price plateau, with room for moderate growth in the future. At the same time, we have observed that collectors are increasingly rigorous in their consideration of jade quality, craftsmanship, subject matter, and provenance. Only truly museum-quality masterpieces can command high prices."
From a broader market perspective, Asia, particularly Greater China, remains a crucial engine for the global art market. The entry of new collectors and the continued investment from established collectors jointly drive market activity. In the future, with the increasing global influence of traditional Chinese culture, the international demand for artworks with distinct Chinese cultural symbols, such as Qing Dynasty jade, is expected to expand further. However, experts also caution that general collectors should remain prudent when investing in jade, focusing on acquiring professional knowledge, discerning authenticity, and paying attention to the historical provenance and artistic value of the lots, rather than blindly chasing short-term price fluctuations.
The success of this Sotheby's Spring Sale not only provided a platform for exchange and transaction for global collectors but also injected new vitality into the art market, indicating that the high-end art market will continue to maintain its unique charm and investment value in the foreseeable future.