Song Dynasty Jade Market Achieves New Heights: Bonhams' Pair of 'Chilong' Jade Cups Sells for Over Three Million, Highlighting Enduring Appeal of Ancient Jade

[Hong Kong, January 20, 2026] At Bonhams' Asian Art auction on January 20, 2026, a highly anticipated pair of Song Dynasty white jade 'chilong' cups (Lot 9612) fetched an impressive RMB 3,129,282 (approximately US$435,000). This figure significantly surpassed its lower estimate of RMB 2,022,539, unequivocally affirming the robust demand and unique allure of Song Dynasty ancient jade in the current art market.

The exquisite craftsmanship and profound historical significance of these recently sold jade cups undoubtedly exemplify the pinnacle of Song Dynasty jade carving art. The Song Dynasty marked a pivotal era in the history of Chinese jade, inheriting the essence of Tang Dynasty jade carving while integrating the aesthetic sensibilities of literati, elevating Song jade in terms of form, ornamentation, and technique. Its characteristics include a pursuit of the natural beauty of the jade material, an emphasis on practicality and display, and a carving style that balanced realism with elegance. This pair of 'chilong' jade cups, crafted from superior Hetian white jade with a warm luster and delicate carving, features vigorous and lively 'chilong' dragons with fluid lines, fully embodying the 'elegance' and 'refinement' characteristic of Song Dynasty jade.

Market Analysis: Steady Growth and Future Trends in the Ancient Jade Sector

In recent years, despite various uncertainties in the global art market, the Chinese ancient jade sector, particularly exquisite pieces from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth potential. The successful sale of these Song Dynasty jade cups is not an isolated incident but rather a microcosm of the overall positive trend in the ancient jade market. Several key factors are worth noting:

  • Driven by Scarcity and Cultural Value: High-quality ancient jade pieces are rare, with each carrying profound historical and cultural information. As collectors' appreciation for cultural heritage grows, so does the demand for these irreplaceable works of art.

  • Aesthetic Return and Refined Taste: Modern collectors' aesthetic preferences lean towards more understated, subtle, and culturally rich artworks. The elegance and sophistication of Song Dynasty jade perfectly align with this trend, making it a prime choice for high-end collections.

  • Investment Hedge Attribute: During periods of economic volatility, art, especially antiques with clear historical provenance and artistic value, is often considered an effective hedge asset. Ancient jade, due to the rarity of its material and the irreplicability of its craftsmanship, possesses significant potential for value preservation and appreciation.

  • Increasing International Recognition of Chinese Art: With China's economic rise and expanding cultural influence, international collecting circles are showing greater awareness and acceptance of Chinese art, providing favorable conditions for Chinese ancient jade to enter the global market.


Looking ahead, the ancient jade market is expected to maintain steady growth. However, collectors should remain rational in their investments, paying attention to authenticity, condition, clear provenance, and the reasonableness of market valuations. Expert authentication and detailed auction records will serve as crucial references. Concurrently, with technological advancements, future ancient jade authentication techniques will continue to improve, providing a more robust foundation for the healthy development of the market.

Bonhams' successful auction not only injected a strong dose of confidence into the Song Dynasty jade market but also reiterated that the artistic treasures embodying the profound cultural heritage of the Chinese nation will forever retain their value and charm, regardless of how times may change.