Qing Dynasty White Jade Ruyi Scepter Fetches Nearly 10 Million, Ancient Jade Market Remains Robust

Qing Dynasty White Jade Ruyi Scepter Fetches Nearly 10 Million, Ancient Jade Market Remains Robust

Beijing Poly's 2025 Autumn Auction witnessed a remarkable achievement: a 'Qianlong Period, White Jade 'Fu Shou' Ruyi Scepter' sold for an impressive 9,569,153 RMB, significantly exceeding the lower end of its estimated range (5,342,430 - 10,684,861 RMB). This sale once again confirms the strong position of top-tier ancient jade in the art market.

The white jade ruyi scepter, cataloged as LOT 3863, stood out among the auction items due to its exquisite craftsmanship, superior jade quality, and profound cultural significance. As detailed in the auction description, this scepter measures approximately 42 cm in length, boasting a warm, smooth, and flawless jade texture, with subtle natural inclusions that enhance its antique charm. The bat and peach motifs on the scepter's head symbolize 'double blessings of fortune and longevity,' while the intertwining lotus patterns on the handle, executed with rounded cuts and fluid lines, exemplify the highest standards of imperial jade carving during the Qianlong era. Its clear provenance further elevates its collectible value.

#### Market Analysis: The 'Hard Currency' Effect of Ancient Jade Collection

In recent years, despite fluctuations in the Chinese art market, high-quality ancient jade artifacts, especially those from the Qing imperial court, have consistently maintained strong growth momentum. This sale of the white jade ruyi scepter reconfirms several market trends:

• Driven by Scarcity and Historical Value: The limited number of extant Qing imperial jade artifacts, each carrying rich historical information and cultural connotations, makes them not just artworks but also witnesses to history. Their scarcity dictates their continuously rising value.

• Ultimate Pursuit of Aesthetics and Craftsmanship: Jade carving during the Qianlong period reached the pinnacle of Chinese ancient jade history. The meticulous selection of materials, intricate carving techniques, and auspicious symbolism achieved unprecedented levels. This ultimate pursuit of aesthetics and craftsmanship makes Qianlong jade artifacts highly sought after by collectors.

• Asset Hedging and Value Preservation: Against the backdrop of increasing global economic uncertainty, art, especially antiques with clear historical and artistic value, has become an important choice for many high-net-worth individuals for asset allocation and hedging. Ancient jade, with its stable market performance and cultural attributes, is regarded as a 'hard currency.'

• Return of Cultural Confidence: With China's economic rise and growing cultural confidence, domestic collectors' awareness and enthusiasm for traditional Chinese art have significantly increased. They not only focus on the economic value of artworks but also on the cultural heritage and national spirit they embody.

Looking ahead, the market for high-quality ancient jade will continue to maintain its unique appeal. As a new generation of collectors emerges and research into art deepens, the value of ancient jade artifacts with clear provenance, perfect condition, and exquisite craftsmanship is expected to continue to rise. However, the market is not without challenges. Issues such as rampant counterfeiting and difficulties in authentication persist, requiring collectors to possess professional knowledge and keen judgment when investing in ancient jade, or to seek assistance from authoritative institutions.

This successful auction of the Qianlong white jade ruyi scepter undoubtedly injects a strong boost into the ancient jade market. It not only showcases the extraordinary charm of traditional Chinese jade carving art but also indicates that in the future art market, top-tier ancient jade, embodying the profound cultural heritage of the Chinese nation, will continue to play a crucial role, attracting the attention of collectors worldwide. For collectors, this is not just a successful investment but also a continuation and promotion of the spirit of traditional Chinese culture.