Qianlong White Jade Ruyi Scepter Fetches Over Four Million, Signaling Strong Demand in Ancient Jade Market

BEIJING, March 8, 2026 – At Poly Auction Beijing's Spring Sale, a highly anticipated Qianlong Period white jade 'Longevity and Felicity' ruyi scepter achieved a hammer price of RMB 4,367,252 (including buyer's premium). This figure significantly surpassed the lower end of its estimated range (RMB 2,498,164 - 4,996,329), ultimately landing near the higher estimate, reaffirming the sustained strong demand and investment value within the high-end ancient jade market.

This particular Qianlong white jade ruyi, designated as LOT 8514, attracted fierce bidding from numerous collectors due to its lustrous jade quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and auspicious symbolism. The motif of a bat holding a peach on the ruyi head, symbolizing 'double blessings and longevity,' coupled with the finely carved lotus scrolls, unequivocally showcases the opulence and elegance characteristic of Qianlong imperial jade. Its clear and well-documented provenance, tracing from a North American private collector to a significant European private collection, further augmented its intrinsic value.

#### Market Analysis: Steady Growth in the Ancient Jade Sector

The successful sale of this Qianlong white jade ruyi is not an isolated incident but rather a microcosm of the overall robust performance of the ancient jade sector within the current art market. In recent years, amidst increasingly complex global economic conditions, high-net-worth individuals have maintained a strong interest in investing in art that possesses rarity, cultural depth, and potential for appreciation. Ancient jade, particularly Qing dynasty imperial jade, has become a focal point for collectors due to its unique historical, cultural, and artistic significance.

1. Rarity and Irreplaceability: Ancient jade resources are becoming increasingly scarce. Imperial jade objects from periods like Qianlong, known for their superior jade quality and sophisticated craftsmanship, are limited in number. Their inherent rarity dictates their high market value. No matter how refined modern imitations may be, they cannot replicate the historical aura and accumulated patina embedded in ancient jade.

2. Cultural Value and Aesthetic Recognition: Jade culture boasts thousands of years of history in China, embodying profound philosophical thought and aesthetic tastes of the Chinese nation. The ruyi scepter, as an object symbolizing auspiciousness and good fortune, was particularly revered in the Qing court. This deep cultural heritage ensures widespread aesthetic recognition for ancient jade among Chinese and global collectors alike.

3. Investment Hedge Properties: During periods of global economic volatility, art, especially top-tier antiques with hard asset characteristics, is often regarded as an effective hedge against risk. The long-term stable upward trend in ancient jade prices has attracted an increasing number of investors to include it in their asset allocation portfolios.

#### Trend Outlook: Fine Ancient Jade Remains a Market Focus

Looking ahead, we anticipate that the market for fine ancient jade will continue to remain active. Several key trends are worth noting:

* Quality is Paramount: Collectors' demands for jade quality, craftsmanship, condition, and clear provenance will become increasingly stringent. Only ancient jade that truly meets the standards of 'exquisite, rare, and authentic' will stand out in the market and command high prices.
* Academic Research and Market Interaction: As academic research into ancient jade deepens, and auction houses provide detailed interpretations of the historical background and cultural connotations of their lots, collectors' understanding and appreciation of ancient jade will further improve, thereby promoting healthy market development.
* International Perspective: With the growing influence of Chinese culture and the increase in global high-net-worth individuals, international demand for ancient jade is expected to expand. In the future, more international collectors will participate in bidding for Chinese ancient jade.

However, the market is not without its challenges. Issues such as rampant fakes, inflated valuations, and some collectors blindly following trends still persist. Therefore, for collectors, enhancing their connoisseurship skills and choosing reputable auction houses and professional advisors are of paramount importance.

The successful sale of this Qianlong white jade ruyi not only injected confidence into the market but also reiterated that in the realm of art investment, profound cultural heritage, outstanding artistic value, and scarce resources are the core elements determining long-term value.