Warring States Celadon Jade Bi Exceeds Upper Estimate, Ancient Jade Market Remains Robust

Warring States Celadon Jade Bi Exceeds Upper Estimate, Ancient Jade Market Remains Robust

BEIJING, January 20, 2026 – At today's Poly Beijing 'Chinese Ancient Jade and Works of Art' special auction, a highly anticipated Warring States Period Celadon Jade Bi Disc with Grain Pattern (Lot 5624) sold for RMB 5,155,348, significantly exceeding its estimated range of RMB 2,730,195 to RMB 5,460,391. The final hammer price, close to the upper estimate, not only highlights the exceptional value of this particular jade bi but also reflects the strong growth momentum of the current ancient jade collecting market and collectors' sustained pursuit of high-quality cultural artifacts.

#### Item Highlights and Market Performance

This Warring States Period celadon jade bi disc, with its warm jade quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and auspicious grain patterns, is a quintessential example of jade artistry from that era. Its excellent preservation and clear provenance, coupled with the significant historical position of Warring States jade in Chinese ancient art, made it a focal point of attention prior to the auction. The final transaction price, while slightly below the upper estimate, is undoubtedly exhilarating given its initial valuation. It demonstrates that even amidst macroeconomic uncertainties, the value of top-tier ancient jade remains robust, even showing a trend of upward defiance.

#### In-depth Analysis of the Ancient Jade Market

In recent years, the ancient jade market has exhibited several distinct characteristics:

• Clear Trend Towards High-Quality Items: Collectors are increasingly demanding higher quality in their acquisitions. Ordinary or poorly preserved ancient jades struggle to sell, while items with clear provenance, excellent condition, and superb craftsmanship consistently achieve high prices. The successful auction of this Warring States celadon jade bi once again confirms this trend. Collectors are increasingly inclined to invest in 'hard currency' items with clear historical and artistic value.

• Warring States and High Ancient Jade in Demand: The Warring States period was a golden age for Chinese jade development, characterized by meticulous material selection, exquisite carving, and rich cultural connotations, making its jade highly sought after by collectors. High ancient jade (jade artifacts from before the Han Dynasty), due to its rarity and historical research value, has always been a hot segment in the market. With deeper academic research and maturing collecting philosophies, more collectors are recognizing the unique charm and investment potential of high ancient jade.

• Emphasis on Both Cultural and Investment Value: Modern collectors, when purchasing ancient jade, not only consider its potential for appreciation but also place greater importance on its underlying historical and cultural value. An ancient jade is not merely an artwork; it is a vessel carrying millennia of civilization. This cultural identification drives collectors to pay higher prices for such pieces.

• Market Confidence Gradually Recovering: Despite global economic challenges, the art market, particularly the Chinese art market, is gradually regaining confidence after a period of adjustment. High-value transactions, such as this Warring States celadon jade bi, inject positive signals into the market, attracting more capital and new collectors.

Looking ahead, the ancient jade market is expected to maintain steady growth. With China's continuous economic development and increasing cultural confidence, the domestic collecting community will further expand. Simultaneously, international collectors' interest in Chinese ancient art is also growing. However, the market will also face challenges such as widespread counterfeits and difficulties in authentication. Therefore, for collectors, choosing reputable auction houses, deeply studying professional knowledge, and seeking expert opinions will be crucial.

This successful auction of the Warring States celadon jade bi undoubtedly marks a promising start for the ancient jade market in 2026. It not only solidifies the market position of high-quality ancient jade but also heralds a new era of collecting full of vitality and opportunities. We have reason to believe that driven by a focus on high-quality, professionalism, and cultural value, the ancient jade market will continue to write new chapters.