A New Milestone in Song Dynasty Jade Market: White Jade 'Chilong' High-Footed Cup Fetches High Price, Highlighting the Enduring Appeal of Classical Art

Beijing, January 11, 2026 – At Beijing Poly's highly anticipated Winter Auction, an exceptionally rare Song Dynasty white jade carved 'chilong' high-footed cup (Lot 2128) sold for a staggering RMB 8,166,853, significantly surpassing the lower end of its estimate range of RMB 4,821,811 to RMB 9,643,623. This outcome once again affirms the strong appeal and stable position of classical Chinese artworks, particularly Song Dynasty jade, in the global art market.

#### Market Performance and Expert Analysis

The successful auction of this Song Dynasty white jade 'chilong' high-footed cup is not merely a testament to its intrinsic artistic value but also a microcosm of the current art market's high appreciation for rarity, historical significance, and exquisite craftsmanship. As a quintessential Song Dynasty jade piece, it is crafted from premium Xinjiang Hetian white jade, known for its warm luster, meticulous carving, and auspicious motifs, perfectly blending the aesthetic sensibilities of Song literati with traditional cultural connotations. The transaction price of over 8 million yuan undoubtedly injects a strong boost into the Song Dynasty jade market.

Li Ming, a seasoned auction industry analyst, commented, “This auction result is truly encouraging. Song Dynasty jade, with its characteristics of 'gentle as a gentleman' and an aesthetic pursuit of 'removing ornamentation to retain naturalness,' has always been highly favored by collectors. The success of this 'chilong' high-footed cup reflects the sustained pursuit of exquisite Song jade by high-end collectors. In the context of current global economic uncertainties, art as an alternative investment increasingly highlights its risk-resistant capabilities and long-term appreciation potential, especially for antique artworks with clear historical provenance, superb craftsmanship, and excellent condition.”

#### Market Value and Future Trends of Song Dynasty Jade

The Song Dynasty marked a pivotal period in the history of Chinese jade development. Its jade carving art broke free from the deification and ritualistic constraints prevalent since the Han Dynasty, focusing more on secularization, literati aesthetics, and realism. The characteristics of Song jade lie in its elegant forms, fluid lines, and diverse themes, often incorporating natural elements such as flowers, birds, figures, and animals, showcasing a refined and ethereal artistic style. The 'chilong' high-footed cup sold at this auction is a concentrated embodiment of the essence of Song Dynasty jade.

From a market trend perspective, the Song Dynasty jade sector has maintained steady growth in recent years. Despite occasional fluctuations in the overall art market, the value of top-tier Song jade has shown an upward trend against the current. This is primarily due to several factors:

  • Rarity and Irreplaceability: The number of existing exquisite Song Dynasty jade pieces is limited, and over time, well-preserved works become increasingly rare, with the principle of scarcity driving value being fully realized in the art market.

  • Cultural Value and Historical Heritage: The Song Dynasty was a peak period for Chinese culture and art, and its jade carries rich historical information and cultural connotations, possessing irreplaceable value for studying Song Dynasty society, aesthetics, and craftsmanship.

  • Aesthetic Resonance: The subtle, understated, and elegant aesthetic style exhibited by Song Dynasty jade highly resonates with the aesthetic pursuits of contemporary high-net-worth individuals, making it an ideal choice for collection and investment.

  • Increasing International Recognition: As Chinese culture's influence on the international stage grows, overseas collectors' awareness and interest in classical Chinese art are also increasing, further expanding the market space for Song Dynasty jade.


Looking ahead, the Song Dynasty jade market is expected to continue its robust growth trajectory. Experts advise collectors investing in Song Dynasty jade to focus on its material, craftsmanship, condition, documented provenance, and whether it possesses unique cultural and artistic value. With the global redistribution of wealth and increased awareness of cultural heritage preservation, top-tier Song Dynasty jade pieces like this white jade 'chilong' high-footed cup will continue to be recognized and sought after by the market for their long-term investment value.