Hangzhou, November 15, 2026 – The highly anticipated Xiling Yinshe 2026 Autumn Auction concluded successfully yesterday. The “Splendid Jade – Chinese Ancient Jade Session” was particularly outstanding, achieving a total transaction value of RMB 185 million, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 89.5%, indicating a strong recovery in the high-end ancient jade market.
This special session featured 124 meticulously selected ancient jade pieces, ranging from the Neolithic period to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Archaic jades, in particular, performed exceptionally well, becoming the focal point of the auction. A “Hongshan Culture Jade Pig Dragon,” estimated at RMB 28 million to RMB 35 million, sold for a hammer price of RMB 42.5 million, an impressive premium of 21.4%, securing the top lot. This jade pig dragon, with its archaic and majestic form, warm jade quality, and excellent preservation, received full market recognition for its rarity and historical value. Another piece, a “Warring States White Jade Dragon and Phoenix Pendant,” also fetched a high price of RMB 18.8 million, a 10.6% premium over its high estimate. Overall, the average premium rate for archaic jades reached 18%, significantly outperforming other categories.
The mid-to-low-end ancient jade market also showed commendable performance. A collection of Ming and Qing dynasty jade plaques, pendants, and small decorative items achieved a sell-through rate close to 95%, with prices generally ranging from 10% to 25% above their estimates. For example, a set of Qing dynasty “Hehe Erxian” white jade pendants sold for RMB 1.2 million, exceeding its high estimate by 20%. This indicates that, against the backdrop of recovering market confidence, collectors are showing strong interest in mid-to-low-end jade pieces with cultural significance and good condition.
Mr. Zhang Ming, Head of the Antiques and Curiosities Department at Xiling Yinshe Auction Co., Ltd., stated in an interview: “The success of this ancient jade session is primarily due to our stringent quality control of the lots and in-depth academic research. Especially for archaic jades, their irreplaceable historical value and artistic charm are key to attracting top collectors. Secondly, the gradual stabilization of the global economic situation and the prominence of art as a safe-haven investment have also provided favorable conditions for the recovery of the ancient jade market.”
Ms. Li Hua, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out: “The performance of ancient jades in the 2026 autumn auction suggests that the high-end ancient jade market has emerged from the adjustment period of the past two years and entered a steady upward channel. Particularly, representative archaic jades such as those from the Hongshan and Liangzhu cultures, due to their scarcity and high cultural research value, still have significant room for price growth in the future. At the same time, there is strong demand in the mid-range market for well-preserved and well-documented Ming and Qing dynasty jades, which provides solid support for the market. We anticipate that the ancient jade market will remain active in the next two years, and its investment value will become even more prominent. However, collectors still need to be wary of counterfeit risks and prioritize clear provenance and authoritative authentication.”
The excellent results of the Xiling Yinshe autumn auction's ancient jade session have undoubtedly injected a strong boost into the entire art market and set a positive tone for the ancient jade market trends in 2027. The industry generally believes that with the improved professionalism of collectors and the refinement of market regulations, ancient jade collecting will usher in a healthier and more sustainable development.