【Beijing, November 20, 2026】The highly anticipated China Guardian 2026 Autumn Auction concluded successfully yesterday, achieving a total transaction volume of RMB 1.85 billion, with a sell-through rate of 78.3%. Among them, the Contemporary Jade Carvings special session performed exceptionally well, achieving a total transaction volume of RMB 280 million and a high sell-through rate of 92.5%, becoming the 'dark horse' of this autumn auction and injecting a strong boost into the somewhat sluggish art market.
This Contemporary Jade Carvings special session presented 120 lots, covering various materials such as Hetian jade, jadeite, and Nanhong agate, bringing together exquisite works by numerous national-level arts and crafts masters and emerging jade carving artists. Data shows that the average premium rate for this session reached 35%, a 15 percentage point increase compared to the same period last year, demonstrating strong market demand and confidence in high-quality contemporary jade carving works.
Regarding highlight lots, the Hetian jade seed material 'Auspicious Beasts Presenting Good Fortune' ornament, created by national-level arts and crafts master Wang Xinyuan, fetched a high price of RMB 38 million due to its warm jade quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and auspicious symbolism, far exceeding its pre-auction estimate of RMB 25 million, with a premium rate as high as 52%. Another jadeite 'Zen Landscape' pendant, created by young jade carving artist Li Ming, sold for RMB 12 million due to its unique modern aesthetic and delicate design, an increase of 40% from its estimate, indicating market recognition for innovative jade carving works.
Ms. Zhang Li, Vice President of China Guardian Auctions and General Manager of the Jewelry, Watches & Luxury Goods Department, stated in an interview: "The success of this Contemporary Jade Carvings special session is, on the one hand, due to our strict control over the quality of the lots and precise market positioning; on the other hand, it also reflects the continuous pursuit of contemporary jade carving works with cultural connotations and artistic value by collectors amidst the backdrop of economic structural adjustment and enhanced cultural confidence. Especially the younger generation of collectors, they are more inclined to collect works that combine traditional charm with modern aesthetics."
Mr. Chen Tao, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out: "The strong performance of the contemporary jade carving sector in this autumn auction is undoubtedly an important signal of market recovery. In the past few years, influenced by macroeconomic changes and shifts in consumption concepts, the jade market experienced a period of adjustment. However, the value of high-quality, story-rich, and well-preserved contemporary jade carving works has always been recognized by the market. The high-premium lots sold this time are mostly concentrated in masterpieces by renowned artists and innovative works by young artists, indicating that the market's attention to the artistry, scarcity, and cultural attributes of jade carvings is increasing. It is expected that the contemporary jade carving market will maintain steady growth in the next five years, with an average annual increase of 10%-15%, with masterpieces by renowned artists and innovative works with unique styles continuing to lead the market."
From a market trend perspective, collectors' attention to jade material is shifting from simply 'material-centric' to 'material and craftsmanship combined,' or even 'craftsmanship-centric.' At the same time, the cultural connotation and artistic expression of jade carving works have also become important considerations. In addition, with the popularization of digital technology and social media, the dissemination channels for jade carving art are more diverse, attracting the attention of more young collectors and injecting new vitality into the market.
The impressive results of the Contemporary Jade Carvings special session at this China Guardian Autumn Auction not only brought positive signals to the entire art market but also pointed out the direction for the future development of contemporary jade carving art. It is foreseeable that, driven by the dual forces of upgraded collection concepts and enhanced cultural confidence, contemporary jade carving will usher in broader development prospects.