Hong Kong, October 28, 2026 – Sotheby's Autumn 2026 Auction concluded yesterday, achieving a total sales value of HKD 2.85 billion, setting multiple new auction records in Asia. The highly anticipated 'Imperial Jadeite' special sale was particularly outstanding, with its exceptional quality and rarity making it the focal point of the auction, further affirming the strong resilience and growth potential of the high-end jade market.
The star lot of this auction, an 'Imperial Green' natural jadeite carving titled 'Dragon Soaring in Prosperity', weighing 218.88 carats, fetched an astonishing HKD 680 million, significantly exceeding its pre-sale high estimate of HKD 450 million, with a premium rate of 51.1%. This piece was acquired by an anonymous Asian private collector. Its selling price not only set a new world record for a single jadeite item at auction but also became the highest-priced lot in this Sotheby's autumn sale. According to the Head of Sotheby's Asia Jewellery Department, the clarity, color, and craftsmanship of this jadeite carving are all of the highest caliber, making it a rare treasure seen in the market in the past decade.
The 'Imperial Jadeite' special sale presented a total of 25 exquisite lots, achieving a total sales value of HKD 1.23 billion, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 92%. Among them, an 'Imperial Green' jadeite bangle named 'Jadeite Symphony' sold for HKD 180 million, an increase of 28.6% from its estimate; another pair of 'Imperial Green' jadeite earrings named 'Double Blessings' also fetched HKD 95 million, exceeding its estimate by 15.9%. These figures clearly indicate that collectors' enthusiasm for top-tier jadeite remains undiminished, and its value-preserving and appreciating characteristics are even more prominent during periods of economic fluctuation.
Market analyst Mr. Li Ming pointed out: "The performance of this Sotheby's autumn sale, especially the Imperial Jadeite special sale, once again proves the unique position of high-end jade, particularly rare and precious natural jadeite, in the global art and luxury goods market. In the current context of global economic uncertainty, the investment value of hard assets is becoming increasingly prominent. Top-tier jadeite, due to its non-renewable nature, cultural attributes, and increasingly scarce resources, has become an important choice for high-net-worth individuals' asset allocation. Its price trend shows a steady upward trajectory, with relatively little impact from macroeconomic factors."
Mr. Nicolas Chow, Chairman of Sotheby's Asia, stated after the auction: "We are very pleased with the results of this autumn sale, especially the outstanding performance of Imperial Jadeite, which exceeded our expectations. This reflects the continued enthusiasm of global collectors for Asian art and jewelry, and also demonstrates Sotheby's professional capabilities in selecting and presenting top-tier lots. In the future, we anticipate that the high-end jade market will remain active, especially for exquisite pieces with historical provenance, unique designs, and rare materials, whose value will continue to be recognized by the market."
This auction also revealed some new trends. Younger generations of collectors showed strong interest in jadeite jewelry with modern designs that still retain traditional charm. Furthermore, online bidding participation significantly increased, with approximately 35% of the lots sold through online platforms, demonstrating the increasingly profound impact of technology on the auction industry.
Overall, the success of Sotheby's Autumn 2026 Auction not only injected a strong boost into the global art market but also further solidified Hong Kong's position as a leading art trading hub in Asia. The impressive performance of Imperial Jadeite suggests that the top-tier jade market will remain a hot spot for investment and collection in the coming years.