Beijing, May 20, 2026 – The highly anticipated Beijing Council International 2026 Spring Art Auction concluded successfully yesterday. The total transaction value of this spring sale reached RMB 1.25 billion, with a high sell-through rate of 82%, fully demonstrating the strong resilience of the art market and collectors' high recognition of fine pieces. Among them, the jade specialist session, particularly featuring Bi Yu (spinach green jade), performed exceptionally well, becoming a major highlight of this auction.
This spring auction presented over 2,000 lots across various categories, including Chinese painting and calligraphy, ceramics and miscellaneous items, rare books, and modern and contemporary art. Despite global economic uncertainties, high-quality, scarce artworks continue to be sought after by collectors. Mr. Wang, Executive Director of Council International Auction, stated: “The successful staging of this spring auction once again proves the immense potential of the Chinese art market and the increasingly mature collecting philosophy of collectors. We are pleased to see the undiminished enthusiasm for fine pieces in the market.”
Exceptional Performance in Bi Yu Specialist Session, Multiple Lots Set New Records
In this spring auction, the jade specialist session, especially the fine Bi Yu section, became the focal point of the entire event. A total of 80 Bi Yu lots were offered, achieving a total transaction value of RMB 180 million, with a high sell-through rate of 95%. This figure represents a 15% increase in transaction value compared to the Bi Yu specialist session in the same period last year, indicating a continuous warming trend in the Bi Yu market.
Among them, a lot titled “Qing Dynasty Qianlong Period, Bi Yu Carved Dragon and Phoenix Ruyi Scepter” (如意) with its exquisite carving, warm jade quality, and auspicious symbolism, started at RMB 18 million. After multiple rounds of fierce bidding, it finally sold for a high price of RMB 36.8 million, with a premium rate of 104%, far exceeding its estimate. It became the top lot in this Bi Yu specialist session and set a new auction record for similar Bi Yu Ruyi scepters in the past five years. Another piece, “Ming Dynasty, Bi Yu Carved Immortal's Birthday Mountain” (仙人祝寿山子), with its unique historical value and artistic charm, sold for RMB 12.5 million, an increase of 65% over its estimate. In addition, a series of Hetian Bi Yu bracelets, pendants, and other small and medium-sized Bi Yu ornaments also performed well, with average transaction prices increasing by 20% to 30% over their estimates, indicating the growing popularity of Bi Yu ornaments in the mass market.
Market Analysis: Scarcity and Cultural Value Drive Bi Yu Market
Mr. Li Ming, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out: “The success of the Bi Yu specialist session at this Council International spring auction is not accidental. In recent years, the increasing scarcity of high-quality Bi Yu resources, especially the sharp decline in production of Xinjiang Hetian Bi Yu, is a core factor driving its price increase. At the same time, the warm and restrained color of Bi Yu aligns with traditional Chinese aesthetics, and its inherent cultural value and historical accumulation also make it a sought-after object for collectors. We have observed that collectors' awareness and appreciation level for Bi Yu have significantly improved, and a comprehensive consideration of jade quality, craftsmanship, age, and cultural connotation has become key to determining its value.”
Mr. Li Ming further analyzed: “In the next few years, we expect the Bi Yu market to maintain steady growth. Particularly, fine Bi Yu pieces with clear historical provenance, exquisite craftsmanship, and unique artistic style will continue to be recognized by the market. Simultaneously, as the younger generation of collectors shows increasing interest in traditional culture, market demand for Bi Yu ornaments and small decorative pieces will also expand, injecting new vitality into the Bi Yu market.”
Expert Commentary: Rational Collecting, Focus on Provenance
Professor Zhang, a renowned cultural relic appraisal expert, stated in an interview: “The performance of the Bi Yu section in this Council International spring auction is encouraging, but collectors still need to remain rational when investing and collecting. It is important to pay attention to the naturalness of the jade, the exquisiteness of the craftsmanship, and whether there is clear and traceable provenance. Do not blindly chase high prices; instead, learn more about appraisal knowledge and seek advice from professional institutions. Bi Yu with these conditions not only has aesthetic value but also good potential for preservation and appreciation.”
The success of Beijing Council International 2026 Spring Auction not only instilled confidence in the art market but also pointed out the future development direction for Bi Yu, a traditional jade category. Driven by scarcity, cultural value, and market demand, the collecting fervor for Bi Yu is expected to continue to rise.