BEIJING, May 18, 2026 – The highly anticipated Poly 2026 Spring Art Auction concluded successfully today. This spring sale, with its diverse array of lots and impressive transaction data, once again solidified Poly's leading position in the art auction market. Particularly noteworthy was the strong performance of the master jade carving section, where several exquisite pieces sold at high prices, not only showcasing their unique artistic value but also signaling a new growth cycle for the high-end jade collection market.
The total transaction volume for this spring sale reached RMB 3.25 billion, with a sell-through rate of 82.3%, an increase of 15% compared to the same period last year. The master jade carving special session performed exceptionally well, with a total transaction volume exceeding RMB 480 million and a sell-through rate as high as 91.5%, far exceeding expectations. This data fully demonstrates that in the current market environment, collectors still hold extremely high enthusiasm and confidence for rare and artistic jade carving masterpieces.
Regarding key lots, the 'Hehe Erxian (Two Immortals of Harmony and Union) Ornament' created by the late jade carving master Wang Shixiang, sold for an astonishing RMB 68 million, significantly exceeding its pre-sale estimate of RMB 45 million, with a premium rate of 51.1%. This piece, crafted from Xinjiang Hetian mutton fat jade, boasts a warm and delicate texture, exquisite carving, and vivid, lifelike figures, fully demonstrating the master's superb craftsmanship. Another piece, the 'Landscape Conception Plaque' by contemporary jade carving master Li Mingyuan, was also hammered at a high price of RMB 32 million, an increase of 60% from its estimate of RMB 20 million. This work skillfully utilizes the technique of 'qiao se qiao diao' (clever use of natural color variations), integrating landscape painting aesthetics into the jade, creating a profound artistic conception that was highly sought after by collectors.
Mr. Zhang Hua, head of Poly Auction's Chinese Works of Art Department, stated in an interview: "The excellent performance of master jade carvings in this spring sale is a reaffirmation of the market's recognition of the value of top-tier jade art. We have observed that collectors are giving more in-depth consideration to the creative background, jade quality, carving craftsmanship, and the master's artistic style of the works. Especially those masterpieces that combine cultural connotations and rarity, their value is increasingly prominent."
Professor Li, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out: "Judging from the data of this Poly spring sale, the high-end jade market is experiencing a clear structural rebound. On one hand, economic recovery and wealth effects have released the purchasing power of high-net-worth individuals; on the other hand, jade, as a hard currency with both investment and collection attributes, its function of hedging and preserving value is particularly important in the current complex and volatile international economic situation. In the future, jade carving works with master imprints, rare jade materials, and unique cultural implications still have huge room for appreciation in market value. However, at the same time, the market will also place higher demands on the authenticity, quality, and traceable provenance of the works, which is positive for standardizing the market and improving the overall industry level."
The success of this Poly spring sale not only injected new vitality into the art market but also provided an important market barometer for jade collectors and investors. It is expected that in the coming period, the high-end jade carving market will continue to maintain steady growth, and the prices of exquisite pieces are expected to continue to rise.