【Beijing, November 20, 2026】China Guardian's 2026 Autumn Auction recently concluded successfully in Beijing, achieving a total turnover of RMB 2.85 billion, an increase of 12.5% compared to the 2025 autumn auction, with a high sell-through rate of 82.3%. Among them, the highly anticipated contemporary jade carving sector performed particularly well, with several exquisite pieces setting new transaction records, demonstrating the market's continued pursuit of high-quality contemporary jade artworks and a recovery in confidence.
In this autumn auction, the contemporary jade carving special session offered a total of 120 lots, with 108 pieces successfully sold, achieving a sell-through rate of 90% and a total turnover exceeding RMB 180 million, an 18% increase from the previous season. Particularly noteworthy is the outstanding performance of works by several renowned masters.
The leading lot, 'Bi-Jade Thin-Walled Vase · A Moonlit Night on the Spring River' created by Wu Yuanquan, a Chinese master of jade carving, was hammered at RMB 28 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of RMB 18 million, with a premium rate of 55.5%. This piece, with its exquisite thin-walled craftsmanship and profound artistic conception, received high recognition from collectors. Another piece, 'Hetian Jade Seed Material Handpiece · Deep in the Cloud Mountains' by young jade carving artist Li Ming, also sold for RMB 12.5 million, a 56.25% increase compared to its RMB 8 million estimate, reflecting the market's attention to innovative and promising young artists.
From the overall data, the average unit price of the contemporary jade carving sector in this auction reached RMB 1.666 million, an increase of 15% compared to the same period last year. Among them, Hetian jade seed material works remained the main force in the market, accounting for over 70% of the total turnover. In addition, some bi-jade and ink jade works with unique creativity and exquisite craftsmanship also achieved impressive results, indicating the diversification of collectors' aesthetic tastes.
Mr. Zhang Hua, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: "The strong performance of the contemporary jade carving sector in this Guardian autumn auction is a direct manifestation of the continuous recovery of market confidence. After several years of adjustment, collectors' understanding of the value of jade carving artworks has become more rational, preferring to invest in exquisite pieces with clear artistic value, superb craftsmanship, and traceable provenance. Works by renowned masters remain the cornerstone of the market, while works by innovative young artists are also beginning to emerge, injecting new vitality into the market."
Ms. Wang Li, head of the Jade Department at China Guardian Auctions Co., Ltd., stated: "We are very satisfied with the results of this contemporary jade carving special session. This not only reflects China Guardian's professional capabilities in soliciting lots and market promotion but, more importantly, it sends a clear signal: the market for high-quality contemporary jade artworks is steadily recovering and has huge development potential. In the future, we will continue to be committed to discovering and promoting more excellent contemporary jade works, providing collectors with richer choices."
Looking ahead, with the continuous development of China's economy and the enhancement of cultural confidence, jade carving art, as an important carrier of traditional Chinese culture, is expected to further increase its market value. Experts generally believe that in the next few years, the contemporary jade carving market will show a trend of refinement, personalization, and academicization, and its investment value will become more prominent.