【Beijing, May 18, 2026】China Guardian's 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, with the highly anticipated 'Jin Yu Cui – Ancient Jadeware' specialist sale performing exceptionally well. The total transaction volume reached RMB 285 million, an 18.7% increase compared to the same period last year, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 89.5%, indicating a strong recovery in the ancient jade market.

This auction featured 120 exquisite ancient jade pieces ranging from the Neolithic period to the Qing Dynasty, encompassing ritual objects, ornaments, and decorative items. Among them, a 'Western Han White Jade Bi Disc with Dragon and Phoenix Motif' became the highlight of the entire sale due to its superb craftsmanship, rare material, and pristine preservation. After multiple rounds of fierce bidding, it was finally hammered at RMB 48 million, significantly exceeding its pre-sale estimate (RMB 30-35 million), with a premium rate of 37.1%. Another 'Ming Dynasty Mughal-style White Jade Inlaid Box with Lid' also performed well, fetching RMB 22 million, demonstrating the market's pursuit of high-quality, rare craftsmanship in jadeware.

From the transaction data, several significant characteristics emerged from this spring auction's ancient jadeware specialist sale:

  • Strong Performance of High-Priced Lots: There were 5 lots that sold for over RMB 10 million, accounting for more than 45% of the total sale value, indicating that high-end collectors' demand for top-tier ancient jade remains robust.

  • Premium Jade Materials Highly Sought After: Objects made from high-quality jade materials such as Hetian white jade and 'mutton-fat' jade, regardless of age, consistently achieved high prices, reflecting the market's recognition of the intrinsic value of the jade itself.

  • Emphasis on Cultural Connotation and Historical Value: Jade pieces with clear provenance, significant historical background, or unique cultural symbolism often attracted more attention and achieved better transaction prices.


Mr. Zhang Ming, Head of China Guardian's Jade Department, stated in an interview: "The success of this ancient jadeware specialist sale is not only due to our rigorous selection and academic curation of the lots but, more importantly, reflects the current art market's return to and recognition of traditional Chinese culture. Against the backdrop of gradual economic recovery, ancient jade, as a collectible possessing artistic value, historical value, and potential for appreciation, is seeing its market confidence steadily restored."

Professor Li Hua, a seasoned jade connoisseur and collector, also pointed out: "This auction result sends a positive signal. Compared to the somewhat subdued market of the past two years, this year's transaction data indicates that collectors' investment enthusiasm for ancient jade is rekindling. Especially for ancient jade pieces with clear provenance, excellent condition, and exquisite craftsmanship, their rarity dictates their long-term investment value. In the coming years, we anticipate the ancient jade market will continue to maintain steady growth, with prices for fine jade pieces still having room for appreciation, but collectors still need to focus on authenticity identification and artistic taste when making choices."

Market analysts believe that China's steady economic growth, the accumulation of wealth among high-net-worth individuals, and the increasing demand for investment in traditional cultural artifacts collectively form the foundation for the ancient jade market's recovery. Concurrently, the auction house's efforts in lot solicitation, academic promotion, and market cultivation have also been instrumental. It is expected that in the near future, the ancient jade market will exhibit structural prosperity, with specialization, academic depth, and internationalization becoming the main trends.