【Beijing, November 25, 2026】The highly anticipated Poly Autumn 2026 Auction concluded successfully yesterday. The 'Timeless Jade Charm – Masterpieces by Contemporary Chinese Jade Carving Masters' special session was particularly outstanding, achieving a total transaction volume of RMB 185 million, with a transaction rate of 92.3%. This once again confirms the strong vitality of the high-end jade carving art market and collectors' pursuit of scarce resources.
This special session featured 128 exquisite works by master jade carvers, covering various materials such as white jade, jasper, and black jade, with diverse themes and superb craftsmanship. Among them, several pieces were sold at prices far exceeding their estimates, becoming the focus of market attention.
Transaction Highlights:
* Master Wu Desheng's 'White Jade Seed Material 'Blessings and Longevity' Ornament': Hammered at RMB 32 million, an premium of 77.8% compared to its lowest estimate (RMB 18 million), setting a new auction record for similar works by Master Wu Desheng. The jade of this piece is warm and lustrous, with exquisite carving and auspicious symbolism, attracting multiple rounds of fierce bidding.
* Master Yang Xi's 'Jasper 'Mountain and Water Serenity' Screen': Ultimately sold for RMB 18.5 million, an increase of 54.2% compared to its estimate (RMB 12 million). Its unique artistic conception and superb shallow relief carving technique received high recognition from collectors.
* Master Cui Lei's 'Black Jade 'Guanyin Statue': Sold for RMB 11 million, exceeding its highest estimate (RMB 8 million) by 37.5%. The work features smooth lines and a solemn demeanor, demonstrating Master Cui Lei's profound skill in Buddhist iconography.
* Other Fine Pieces: Several white jade handheld pieces and pendants created by renowned jade carving masters such as Ge Hong, Qu Lijun, and Su Ran, were all sold at prices 20% to 50% above their estimates, indicating widespread demand for works by top-tier masters in the market.
Market Analysis and Trend Judgment:
The success of this autumn auction further solidifies the important position of contemporary master jade carvings in the art market. Based on the transaction data, the following trends are noteworthy:
- Significant Master Effect: Works by top-tier jade carving masters such as Wu Desheng, Yang Xi, and Cui Lei continue to be sought after by high-end collectors due to their scarcity, artistry, and brand effect, with prices showing a steady upward trend. Especially some representative works have more considerable appreciation potential.
- Emphasis on Both Material and Craftsmanship: High-quality Hetian jade seed material remains the market mainstream, but good material alone is no longer enough to command high prices. Exquisite carving techniques, unique artistic styles, and profound cultural connotations are the key factors determining the value of a work. In this auction, several pieces with non-top-tier materials but outstanding craftsmanship also achieved impressive results.
- Maturing Collector Base: The current jade collecting community no longer solely pursues 'good material' but pays more attention to the artistic value, cultural heritage, and personal style of the master. They have a deeper understanding of the market, and their investment decisions are more rational.
- Prominent Investment Attributes: In the current macroeconomic environment, high-end art, especially master jade carvings with potential for preservation and appreciation, are becoming an important option for asset allocation among some high-net-worth individuals. Their scarcity, irreplicability, and cultural attributes give them strong risk resistance.
Expert Commentary:
Professor Li Ming, a renowned jade market analyst, stated: "The performance of Poly's jade carving special session in this autumn auction once again proves the immense potential and market resilience of contemporary Chinese jade carving art. Particularly, representative works by masters like Wu Desheng and Yang Xi have entered a relatively stable high-price platform, with room for further appreciation. This is not only a reflection of the value of the jade material itself but also an acknowledgment of the jade carvers' craftsmanship and artistic creativity. In the coming years, we expect the high-end jade carving market to remain active, with prices for exquisite pieces continuing to be strong. However, for ordinary collectors, it is crucial to pay more attention to the artistry, craftsmanship, and credible provenance of the works, avoiding blind following of trends."
A relevant person in charge of Poly Auction also stated that the company will continue to deepen its efforts in the jade carving art market, committed to discovering more excellent jade artists and works, providing collectors with higher-quality collection options, and jointly promoting the inheritance and development of Chinese jade carving art.