BEIJING, May 28, 2026 – The highly anticipated Poly 2026 Spring Auction recently concluded successfully. The total transaction value of this auction reached an impressive 2.83 billion RMB, with a clearance rate of 83.5%. The high-end Bi Yu (spinach green jade) section was particularly outstanding, becoming the biggest highlight of this spring auction, demonstrating strong market demand and renewed confidence in high-quality jade.
Featured Lots: Bi Yu Masterpieces Set New Records
During this spring auction, several exquisite Bi Yu pieces were highly sought after. Notably, a 'Qianlong Period, Qing Dynasty Bi Yu Carved Nine-Dragon Brush Pot' was hammered at an astonishing 185 million RMB, significantly exceeding its pre-sale estimate (80-120 million RMB), becoming the highest-priced lot of the auction with a remarkable increase of 54%. Another piece, a 'Ming Dynasty Bi Yu Carved Immortal Celebrating Longevity Mountain', also fetched 62 million RMB, an increase of 24% from its estimate (35-50 million RMB). Furthermore, several contemporary jade carving masters' Bi Yu works also performed well, such as a 'Contemporary Wang Ping Bi Yu Carved "Pine Wind Elegant Gathering" Ornament', which sold for 18 million RMB, up 30% from its estimate. Overall, the Bi Yu special session achieved a clearance rate of 92%, with a total transaction value of 650 million RMB, representing a 25% increase compared to the same period last year.
Market Analysis: Strong Demand for High-End Jade, Investment Attributes Highlighted
Mr. Li Ming, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out: "The excellent performance of the Bi Yu section in this Poly spring auction fully demonstrates the resilience and investment value of the high-end jade market. Amid increasing global economic uncertainties, high-quality, scarce artworks, especially jade with profound cultural heritage and exquisite craftsmanship, are becoming important choices for investors seeking safe havens and asset allocation. Bi Yu, with its warm texture, rich colors, and unique cultural connotations, is increasingly favored by collectors and investors."
Mr. Li further analyzed that the recovery of the Bi Yu market is not accidental. In recent years, with the increasing recognition of traditional culture and the re-evaluation of art collection value, the attention to high-end jade has continued to rise. Particularly, Bi Yu works with clear provenance, perfect condition, and exquisite carving, their scarcity dictates their continuously increasing value. The strong performance of Qianlong period Bi Yu works in this auction also confirms the significant influence of 'imperial patronage' on market appeal.
Expert Commentary: Rational Collecting and Value Return
Professor Zhang Hua, President of the China Jade Culture Research Association, stated: "The results of this Poly spring auction are encouraging. It not only demonstrates the vitality of the Chinese art market but also points the direction for jade collecting. While pursuing rarity and artistry, collectors should also focus on the cultural connotation and historical value of jade. As an important part of Chinese jade culture, the return of Bi Yu's value is an inevitable trend. However, at the same time, we should also be wary of market speculation, advocate rational collecting, and focus on the quality and craftsmanship of the jade itself, rather than blindly chasing short-term price fluctuations."
Future Outlook: Broad Market Prospects, High-Quality Jade Continues to Rise
Mr. Wang Qiang, Executive Director of Poly Auction, said in an interview: "We are full of confidence in the future high-end jade market. The success of this spring auction, especially the outstanding performance of the Bi Yu section, provides us with valuable market signals. In the future, we will continue to deepen our presence in the jade market, discover more potential masterpieces, and provide collectors with higher-quality collecting opportunities. We expect that in the next few years, high-quality, scarce Bi Yu and Hetian jade, and other high-end jades, their market value will continue to show a steady upward trend."
Overall, the Poly 2026 Spring Auction injected a strong dose of confidence into the high-end jade market, signaling the imminent arrival of a more active and opportunity-filled collecting era. Collectors and investors should closely monitor market dynamics and seize collecting opportunities.