Southern Red Agate Market Continues to Heat Up: Poly Beijing's 'Fortune and Longevity' Ornament Sells at Premium, Reaffirming Collector Enthusiasm

Beijing, December 17, 2025 – At today's Poly Beijing Winter Auction, a Mid-Qing Dynasty Southern Red Agate carving of 'Fortune and Longevity' sold for a remarkable RMB 1,279,699, significantly exceeding its estimated range of RMB 591,134 to RMB 1,182,268. This outcome once again underscores the robust momentum of the high-end Southern Red Agate market and collectors' fervent pursuit of exquisite pieces. Lot 5872, with its exceptional material, superb craftsmanship, and auspicious symbolism, stood out as one of the auction's highlights.

#### Market Performance: The Value of Fine Southern Red Agate Shines

This premium sale price is no accident. In recent years, Southern Red Agate, an integral part of traditional Chinese jade culture, has seen its market value steadily climb. Especially prized are well-preserved, pure-colored, and intricately carved old-stock Southern Red Agates. The 'Fortune and Longevity' ornament's use of persimmon-red material, known for its rich hue and warm texture, coupled with its masterful round, relief, and openwork carving techniques that vividly depict auspicious peaches and bats, were undoubtedly key factors in its high price.

From a market trend perspective, the value growth of Southern Red Agate exhibits several characteristics:

  • Scarcity-Driven: High-quality Southern Red Agate raw material resources are increasingly depleted, especially old mine material, with its scarcity directly driving up market prices.

  • Deepening Cultural Recognition: Southern Red Agate symbolizes auspiciousness, wealth, and health in traditional Chinese culture. With increasing cultural confidence, its collectible and wearable value is recognized by more people.

  • Enhanced Artistic Value: Excellent Southern Red Agate carvings are not merely expressions of material but also vehicles for the carver's skill and cultural connotations, with their artistic added value becoming increasingly prominent.

  • Strengthened Investment Attributes: Against a backdrop of increased global economic uncertainty, art and rare gemstones, as safe-haven assets, have seen their investment attributes gradually strengthen, with Southern Red Agate becoming a target for capital.


#### Expert Analysis: Rationality and Enthusiasm Coexist

Mr. Zhang, a senior auction industry analyst, commented: "The successful auction of this Southern Red Agate ornament at Poly Beijing once again proves the strong market demand for high-quality art pieces. However, we must also recognize that the market is not blindly chasing high prices. Collectors are increasingly focusing on the natural authenticity of the material, the intricacy of the carving, and the cultural connotations and documented provenance of the work. Only those truly possessing artistic value and collection potential can stand out in the market and achieve above-expected performance."

Mr. Zhang further pointed out that despite the overall positive trend in the Southern Red Agate market, collectors still need to remain rational. There are also some products on the market of inferior quality, dyed, or enhanced, which often lack long-term investment value. Therefore, it is advisable for collectors to choose reputable auction houses or dealers and seek opinions from professional appraisal institutions when purchasing.

#### Future Outlook: Steady Growth and Potential Unlocked

Looking ahead, the Southern Red Agate market is expected to continue its steady growth. With the influx of more young collectors and a deeper understanding of traditional cultural art, the collector base for Southern Red Agate will further expand. Simultaneously, with continuous innovation in carving techniques and the emergence of more outstanding works, the artistic value and market potential of Southern Red Agate will be more fully realized.

This successful auction of the 'Fortune and Longevity' ornament undoubtedly injected a strong boost into the market and set a new benchmark for the future performance of other high-end Southern Red Agate art pieces. It is not only a commercial success but also another affirmation of traditional Chinese jade culture and exquisite craftsmanship.