Qianlong White Jade Ruyi Fetches Over ¥3.3 Million: A Sign of Steady Growth in the Ancient Jade Market?

BEIJING, February 15, 2026 – At a highly anticipated auction held by Beijing Kuangshi, a 'Qianlong Period, White Jade 'Fu Shou Shuang Quan' Ruyi Scepter' was hammered down for RMB 3,342,152, significantly exceeding its lower estimate. This result has sparked widespread discussion in the market regarding the future trajectory of the ancient jade sector. The item, Lot 6683, had an estimated range of RMB 2,130,281 to RMB 4,260,562, and its final price, situated in the upper-middle of this range, demonstrates collectors' sustained enthusiasm for exquisite ancient jade and robust market confidence.

Item Analysis: A Quintessential Jade from the Qianlong Heyday

The exceptional quality and superb craftsmanship of the white jade ruyi were key factors in its high price. The Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty marked the zenith of Chinese jade carving, characterized by vast imperial consumption, meticulous material selection, and unparalleled craftsmanship, giving rise to the distinctive 'Qianlong style.' This ruyi is crafted from Xinjiang Hetian white jade, known for its warm, lustrous texture and pure white color, with subtle russet inclusions that enhance its antique charm. The auspicious motifs of bats, peaches, and lingzhi mushrooms symbolize 'Fu Shou Shuang Quan' (blessings and longevity), a classic imperial theme from the Qing Dynasty. The carving is smooth and flowing, with graceful lines and fine polishing, all testifying to the extraordinary skill of the master jade carvers of the era. The faintly incised 'Qianlong Nian Zhi' mark on the reverse side further confirms its imperial provenance and dating, significantly boosting its historical and artistic value.

Market Analysis: Resilience and Potential in the Ancient Jade Sector

In recent years, the global art market has experienced varying performances across different sectors due to macroeconomic fluctuations. However, the ancient jade sector, particularly high-ancient jade and Ming and Qing imperial jades, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and stability. The successful sale of this Qianlong white jade ruyi reaffirms several key market trends:

  • Scarcity of Masterpieces Drives Value Appreciation: The number of surviving Qianlong imperial jade pieces is limited, and masterpieces are rare. When a well-preserved, exquisitely crafted, and clearly sourced Qianlong jade appears, it often attracts intense bidding from numerous collectors, thereby pushing up its market price. Collectors generally believe that such rare treasures possess strong potential for value preservation and appreciation.


  • Cultural Value and Aesthetic Recognition: Chinese ancient jade is not merely prized for its precious material but also embodies profound traditional Chinese culture and aesthetic principles. The ruyi scepter, an auspicious object, has been cherished since ancient times. Its inherent symbolism of blessings and longevity deeply resonates with traditional Chinese values, giving such items a broad base of recognition within Chinese collecting circles.


  • Gradual Market Confidence Recovery: Despite global economic challenges, the art market, especially the high-end segment, is gradually regaining confidence. Collectors are willing to invest more capital in artifacts with clear historical and artistic value. This auction result indicates that, after a period of adjustment, market purchasing power for high-quality ancient jade remains strong.


  • Trend Towards Professionalism and Transparency: As the auction industry becomes increasingly standardized and professional, the authentication, appraisal, and disclosure of information regarding auction items are becoming more transparent. This helps build collector trust, attracting more capital. Beijing Kuangshi, as a renowned domestic auction house, also laid the foundation for the success of this auction through its professional operations.


Future Outlook: A Stable and Promising Ancient Jade Market

Looking ahead, the ancient jade market is expected to maintain steady growth. With China's continued economic development and increasing cultural confidence, more high-net-worth individuals will focus on and invest in art pieces with deep cultural heritage. Concurrently, international collectors' interest in Chinese art is growing, which will provide broader development opportunities for the ancient jade market.

However, the market is not without challenges. Rampant forgeries, difficulties in authentication, and global economic uncertainties remain factors that collectors need to be wary of. Therefore, for investors interested in entering the ancient jade collecting field, choosing reputable auction houses, thoroughly researching item backgrounds, and seeking advice from professionals will be crucial for success. The excellent performance of this Qianlong white jade ruyi undoubtedly injects a shot of confidence into the ancient jade market, foreshadowing a vibrant and opportune future.