Icy Jadeite 'Mountain and Water Serenity' Leads Poly's Inaugural Auction, Highlighting Resilience in High-End Jadeite Market

On January 10, 2026, Beijing Poly Auction held its first major auction of the new year. Among the numerous treasures, an icy jadeite carving named 'Mountain and Water Serenity' captivated global collectors with its exceptional quality and exquisite craftsmanship. It ultimately sold for RMB 1,681,328, falling within its estimated range of RMB 1,049,951 to RMB 2,099,902, demonstrating a solid performance. This outcome not only marks a strong start for the 2026 art market but also reflects the robust resilience and continuous growth potential of the high-end jadeite market, particularly for premium pieces.

#### Lot Analysis: A Perfect Blend of Rare Quality and Humanistic Sentiment

The value of the 'Mountain and Water Serenity' icy jadeite carving primarily stems from its rare material. Icy jadeite is renowned for its near-glass transparency and clarity, ranking among the finest types of jadeite. Furthermore, the natural 'floating flowers'—emerald-green filamentous or patchy color formations that naturally blend into the crystalline background like ink wash paintings—further enhance its artistic value and aesthetic appeal. The carving technique is also masterful; the artisan skillfully utilized the natural textures and color distribution of the jadeite rough, employing a thin-relief carving method to infuse the essence of traditional landscape painting, depicting an oriental aesthetic of 'distant mountains, nearby waters, and swirling mists.' Such artworks, which perfectly combine natural beauty with humanistic sentiment, have always been sought after by collectors.

#### Market Trend Analysis: The Growing Investment Value of High-End Jadeite

In recent years, despite complex and volatile global economic conditions, the high-end art market, especially the rare gemstone and jadeite sector, has shown an upward trend against the general tide. Among these, high-quality jadeite has performed particularly well. The reasons are primarily as follows:

  • Scarcity and Non-Renewability: The formation of jadeite requires extremely long and unique geological conditions, and high-quality jadeite resources are increasingly depleted. Its scarcity dictates its long-term potential for value preservation and appreciation.

  • Cultural Identity and Aesthetic Heritage: Jadeite holds a revered status in traditional Chinese culture, regarded as a symbol of auspiciousness and prosperity. With the rise of cultural confidence among the Chinese people, enthusiasm for collecting and appreciating jadeite continues to grow.

  • Investment Hedge Property: Amid inflation and increased financial market volatility, high-quality jadeite, as a tangible asset, possesses strong risk-resistant capabilities, making it an important choice for asset allocation among many high-net-worth individuals.

  • Increasing International Recognition: As the influence of the Asian art market expands globally, the international recognition of jadeite has also gradually increased, attracting attention from more international collectors.


The successful sale of 'Mountain and Water Serenity' once again confirms the strong market demand for high-quality, culturally rich jadeite artworks. While its hammer price was within the estimated range, considering the current global economic environment, this result clearly indicates that market confidence in top-tier jadeite remains unshaken, becoming more rational and stable.

#### Future Outlook: Rational Collection and Refined Investment

Looking ahead, the high-end jadeite market is expected to maintain steady growth. However, collectors should remain rational when investing and collecting. The following points are worth noting:

* Focus on Quality and Provenance: Prioritize jadeite pieces with excellent clarity, color, and craftsmanship, along with clear provenance.
* Consider Cultural Connotation and Artistic Value: Jadeite artworks with profound cultural heritage and unique artistic styles have better long-term value assurance.
* Beware of Market Bubbles: Avoid blindly chasing short-term trends and maintain an objective judgment on market valuations.
* Professional Appraisal is Essential: Utilize appraisal certificates from authoritative institutions to ensure the authenticity and quality of the auctioned items.

The success of Beijing Poly's auction undoubtedly injected a strong dose of confidence into the 2026 art market. High-end jadeite, as a hard currency, will continue to shine with its investment value and artistic charm, bringing substantial returns to collectors.