Qianlong White Jade Ruyi Scepter Achieves High Price: A Signal of Ancient Jade Market Rebound and Increased Collector Confidence

Qianlong White Jade Ruyi Scepter Achieves High Price: A Signal of Ancient Jade Market Rebound and Increased Collector Confidence

BEIJING, March 6, 2026 – At China Guardian's Spring Auction, a highly anticipated 'Qianlong Period, White Jade 'Fu Shou Shuang Quan' Ruyi Scepter' was hammered down for an impressive RMB 6,901,312, significantly exceeding the lower end of its estimate range of RMB 4,501,444 to RMB 9,002,889. This outcome not only reaffirms the market value of Qing dynasty imperial jade but is also seen by industry insiders as a crucial indicator of the ancient jade market gradually recovering after a period of adjustment, demonstrating increased collector confidence.

#### Item Interpretation: A Paragon of Jade Ware from the Qianlong Heyday

The exquisite craftsmanship and profound cultural connotations of this white jade ruyi scepter were key to its high price. The Qianlong period marked the golden age of Chinese jade carving, with imperial workshops gathering the nation's finest jade artisans who spared no expense in pursuing perfection. This ruyi scepter is crafted from superior Hetian white jade, known for its warm texture and pure color. While exhibiting some natural russet inclusions, these only enhance its antique beauty. The main 'Fu Shou Shuang Quan' (Blessings and Longevity) motif, combining bats and peaches, symbolizes good fortune and aligns with traditional Chinese aspirations for a prosperous life. The use of intertwining lotus scrolls and lingzhi mushrooms further layers auspicious meanings, reflecting the imperial pursuit of longevity and blessings. In terms of carving, whether it's the lively bats, the plump peaches, or the intricate lotus scrolls, all showcase superb relief and round carving techniques, with fluid lines, meticulous composition, and delicate polishing, achieving the highest state of 'warm as jade.' Such objects were typically bestowed by the emperor upon meritorious officials, presented to relatives, or used for palace display, possessing immense historical and artistic value.

#### Market Analysis: Resilience and Potential of the Ancient Jade Sector

In recent years, the global art market has experienced a series of fluctuations, and the ancient jade sector also faced adjustments. However, the high price achieved by this Qianlong white jade ruyi undoubtedly injected a strong dose of confidence into the market. Analysts point out that this is not an isolated incident but the result of multiple converging factors:

• Rarity and Irreplaceability: High-quality ancient jade resources are increasingly scarce, especially imperial jade wares from the Qianlong period, which represent the pinnacle of material, craftsmanship, and cultural depth, making them difficult to replicate with modern techniques. This uniqueness ensures their long-term potential for value preservation and appreciation.


• Cultural Identity and Aesthetic Return: With China's continuous economic development and growing cultural confidence, more collectors are re-evaluating and cherishing traditional Chinese artworks. The profound cultural heritage and Eastern aesthetic appeal embedded in ancient jade resonate strongly with the spiritual needs of contemporary collectors.


• Safe-Haven Asset Status: Amid increasing global economic uncertainties, top-tier artworks, particularly antiques with clear historical and artistic value, are regarded as effective safe-haven assets, attracting attention from high-net-worth individuals.


• Promotion by Professional Institutions: The professionalism of auction houses in consignment, authentication, and promotion, as well as their accurate grasp of market trends, played a crucial role in guiding collectors and facilitating high-value transactions. China Guardian's success in this instance once again highlights its leading position in the antique art market.

Looking ahead, the ancient jade market is expected to maintain steady growth. However, the market also faces several challenges. Firstly, the difficulty of authenticity verification is significant, as ancient jade counterfeiting techniques are becoming increasingly sophisticated, demanding higher professional knowledge from collectors and greater authority from authentication institutions. Secondly, liquidity issues exist, as high-value ancient jade transactions tend to have longer cycles, requiring collectors to possess substantial capital and patience. Furthermore, changes in international geopolitics and economic conditions may also indirectly impact the art market.

Nevertheless, for top-tier ancient jade with clear provenance, excellent condition, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich cultural connotations, market demand will remain robust. The successful auction of this Qianlong white jade ruyi undoubtedly sets a new benchmark for the market, signaling that the ancient jade sector is entering a more mature and active phase. When investing in ancient jade, collectors should prioritize the historical, artistic, and cultural value of the piece and seek guidance from professional institutions to achieve long-term and stable investment returns.

This auction result is not merely the success of a single item but a positive preview of the future trajectory of the entire ancient jade market, deserving continued attention from the industry and collectors alike.