China Guardian 2026 Autumn Auction: Hetian Jade Carvings Lead, Market Shows Significant Recovery

【Beijing, November 15, 2026】China Guardian's 2026 Autumn Auction concluded successfully yesterday, with a total transaction value reaching RMB 3.85 billion, marking a 15.2% increase compared to the same period last year, and an impressive sell-through rate of 82.5%. This demonstrates a strong recovery trend in the art market, particularly in the traditional Chinese crafts sector. Among them, the highly anticipated 'Jade Carvings and Curios' special session performed exceptionally well, with several Hetian jade carvings fetching prices significantly exceeding their estimates, becoming the biggest highlight of this autumn auction.

The star lot of this auction, a 'White Jade Carving of Immortal Mountains and Pavilions' from the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, hammered down at an astonishing RMB 128 million, far surpassing its highest estimate of RMB 80 million, representing a premium rate of 60%. The jade is warm and delicate, with exquisite craftsmanship, depicting immortal mountains, pavilions, and waterside structures vividly, showcasing imperial grandeur. Another piece, a 'Hetian Seed Jade Auspicious Beast Carving', also sold for RMB 65 million, a 30% increase from its estimate. The entire 'Jade Carvings and Curios' session achieved a total transaction value of RMB 680 million, with a sell-through rate of 95%, setting the best record for similar sessions in the past five years.

Market Analysis and Trend Prediction:

The outstanding performance of Hetian jade carvings in this Guardian autumn auction is not accidental. Li Ming, a senior auction industry journalist and jade market analyst, pointed out: "In recent years, with the steady development of the domestic economy and the enhancement of cultural confidence, the high-end art collection market has shown structural adjustments. Investors and collectors are increasingly focusing on traditional crafts with scarcity, profound cultural connotations, and significant potential for value preservation and appreciation, especially top-tier Hetian jade. The high-premium transactions of Hetian jade carvings undoubtedly reaffirm the market's strong demand and value recognition for exquisite Hetian jade."

From a macro perspective, the gradual recovery of the global economy, coupled with the trend of consumption upgrading in China, provides a favorable external environment for the art market. In the context of diversified art investment, traditional jade, especially ancient and exquisitely crafted Hetian jade, is favored for its value stability compared to more volatile contemporary art. Furthermore, the rise of a younger generation of collectors has injected new vitality into the traditional art market, with them paying more attention to the cultural value and aesthetic experience of collectibles.

Expert Commentary:

Professor Wang, Vice President of the Jade Professional Committee of the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics, stated: "The transaction data for Hetian jade carvings in this Guardian autumn auction is exhilarating. It not only reflects the market's pursuit of rare jade materials and exquisite craftsmanship but also embodies collectors' deep affection for traditional Chinese culture and art. Especially Qing Dynasty imperial jade carvings, due to their unique historical background, royal craftsmanship, and rarity, their value will continue to rise. In the coming years, we expect the price of top-tier Hetian jade carvings to maintain steady growth, but collectors should still focus on key factors such as jade quality, craftsmanship, condition, and clear provenance when investing."

The success of this autumn auction undoubtedly injected a strong boost into the upcoming 2027 spring auction. The market generally expects that driven by the scarcity of exquisite pieces and the high enthusiasm of collectors, the Chinese art market will continue to remain active, especially the traditional crafts sector represented by Hetian jade, which is expected to usher in a new round of value revaluation.

Data Overview:
* Total Transaction Value: RMB 3.85 billion
* Sell-through Rate: 82.5%
* Year-on-Year Growth: 15.2%
* 'Jade Carvings and Curios' Session Total Transaction Value: RMB 680 million
* 'Jade Carvings and Curios' Session Sell-through Rate: 95%
* Star Lot 'White Jade Carving of Immortal Mountains and Pavilions' Transaction Price: RMB 128 million (Estimate: RMB 50-80 million)
* 'Hetian Seed Jade Auspicious Beast Carving' Transaction Price: RMB 65 million (Estimate: RMB 40-50 million)