【Beijing, November 25, 2026】The highly anticipated China Guardian 2026 Autumn Auction concluded successfully yesterday. The total transaction volume of this autumn auction reached an impressive RMB 2.85 billion, an 18.7% increase compared to the same period last year, with a transaction rate of 82.5%, indicating a strong recovery in the art market, especially in the high-ancient jade sector. Among them, the ancient jade special session performed particularly well, with a total transaction volume exceeding RMB 520 million, and several rare high-ancient jade pieces setting new transaction records for similar items.
The star lot of this autumn auction's ancient jade special session was undoubtedly the “Late Warring States Period White Jade Openwork Dragon and Phoenix Bi Disc”. This jade disc, with its exquisite craftsmanship, perfect condition, and rare surviving quantity, attracted fierce bidding from numerous collectors. Ultimately, the lot was hammered at an astonishing price of RMB 128 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of RMB 80 million, with a premium rate as high as 60%, becoming the “King of Jade” for this autumn auction. Another piece, the “Western Han Dynasty Celadon Jade Chi Dragon Belt Hook”, also performed strongly, selling for RMB 48.5 million, an increase of 21.3% over its estimate. In addition, a set of “Liangzhu Culture Jade Cong” sold for RMB 32 million, demonstrating the dual recognition of prehistoric jade in both academic and market value.
Mr. Wang, Vice President of China Guardian Auctions and General Manager of the Jade and Crafts Department, stated in an interview with reporters: “The outstanding performance of ancient jade in this autumn auction fully confirms the market's pursuit of top-tier jade pieces that possess scarcity, artistry, and historical and cultural value. Especially high-ancient jade, with its irreplicability and profound cultural connotations, has become a high-quality choice for resisting market fluctuations and achieving asset preservation and appreciation. We have observed that new collectors are increasingly interested in high-ancient jade, paying more attention to the academic background and traceable provenance of their collections.”
From a market analysis perspective, the overall Chinese art market in 2026 showed a steady upward trend. The gradual stabilization of the macro-economy and the increased demand for diversified asset allocation among high-net-worth individuals provided a favorable external environment for the art market. In the jade sector, prices for high-ancient jade continue to rise, with fine pieces being hard to find, while Ming and Qing dynasty jade maintained steady growth, but with relatively moderate increases. Contemporary jade carvings are largely influenced by the celebrity effect, and market performance is differentiated.
Mr. Li Ming, a senior jade appraiser and professor at the School of Archaeology and Museology, Peking University, pointed out: “The transaction data of high-ancient jade in this Guardian autumn auction is exciting. This is not just about price increases, but also a re-recognition by the market of the deeper values of traditional Chinese culture. Jade from the Warring States and Han dynasties, with their unique stylistic features and exquisite craftsmanship, have always been the focus of the collecting world. In the future, with the deepening of research and the popularization of market education, the value potential of high-ancient jade will be further released. However, at the same time, the market also needs to be vigilant against widespread fakes. Collectors must keep their eyes open when investing and seek professional institutional appraisal support.”
Looking ahead, China Guardian Auctions will continue to cultivate the ancient jade market, presenting more exquisite pieces to global collectors through more professional academic curation and more precise market positioning. It is expected that in the next few years, high-quality, clearly sourced ancient jade will remain a hot spot for art investment, and its market value is expected to continue to climb.