Qianlong White Jade Ruyi Fetches Over Eight Million, Signaling Robust Ancient Jade Market

Beijing, February 22, 2026 – At Beijing Kuangshi's Spring Auction held today, a highly anticipated Qianlong Period white jade 'Fu Shou Shuang Quan' ruyi scepter (Lot 4901) sold for RMB 8,010,645 (including buyer's premium). This figure significantly exceeded the lower end of its estimated range of RMB 5,176,261 to 10,352,522, underscoring the strong demand and stable value of top-tier ancient jade in the current art market.

The Qianlong white jade ruyi, with its exceptional jade quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and auspicious symbolism, captivated numerous collectors from the moment of its preview. Crafted from superior Hetian white jade pebble from Xinjiang, the jade exhibits a warm, delicate texture and pristine white color, with occasional russet inclusions adding to its antique charm. The ruyi head is carved with motifs of bats, peaches, and lingzhi mushrooms, symbolizing 'Fu Shou Shuang Quan' (blessings and longevity complete), a beloved auspicious pattern in the Qing court and among the nobility. The scepter boasts a rich, mellow patina and a subtle luster, reflecting its profound historical depth and artistic value. This high-price sale not only affirms the artistic merit of the ruyi itself but also powerfully validates the potential of Qing dynasty imperial jade and the broader ancient jade market.

Market Analysis: Ancient Jade Sector Continues to Strengthen, with a Clear Trend Towards High-Quality Pieces

In recent years, despite various uncertainties in the global art market, the Chinese art sector, particularly ancient jade, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth potential. The high-price sale of this Qianlong white jade ruyi is not an isolated incident but a microcosm of the ancient jade market's sustained strength. We observe several significant trends:

  • Market Dominated by a Focus on High-Quality Pieces: Collectors are increasingly discerning in their choices, prioritizing rarity, artistry, completeness, and clear provenance. A piece like this Qianlong ruyi, exceptional in material, craftsmanship, condition, and historical background, naturally attracts market favor. In the future, prices for ordinary collectibles may remain stable or even adjust, while prices for top-tier masterpieces are expected to continue climbing.


  • Dual Value of Material and Craftsmanship: Hetian jade, especially pebble material, remains a strong currency in ancient jade collecting due to its scarcity and unique warm, delicate texture. Concurrently, the peak carving techniques represented by Qing dynasty imperial jade, such as 'Qianlong work,' with its meticulous and ingenious characteristics, significantly enhance the artistic added value of the pieces. The perfect combination of material and craftsmanship is a key determinant of ancient jade's value.


  • Cultural Significance and Historical Provenance: In traditional Chinese culture, jade artifacts are not merely material wealth but also spiritual anchors and cultural symbols. The ruyi, embodying the auspicious wish of 'as you wish,' possesses deep cultural connotations beyond its aesthetic value. Furthermore, a clear origin and documented history add credibility and narrative appeal to the pieces, attracting more collectors who value cultural heritage.


  • Broadening Global Collector Base: With convenient information flow and a deeper understanding of Chinese culture among international collectors, global interest in Chinese ancient jade continues to rise. The success of this auction also reflects international capital's confidence in the Chinese art market.


Future Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities Coexist

Despite the impressive performance of the ancient jade market, we must acknowledge the challenges it faces. Issues such as rampant fakes, difficulties in authentication, and market information asymmetry persist, requiring collectors to possess professional knowledge and prudent judgment. For auction houses, elevating selection standards, strengthening academic research, and providing a more transparent trading environment are crucial for gaining market trust and achieving sustainable development.

Looking ahead, with China's continued economic development, growing cultural confidence, and increasing demand for art investment allocation among high-net-worth individuals, the ancient jade market, especially top-tier pieces like Qing dynasty imperial jade, will maintain its unique allure and investment value. We anticipate that in the coming years, ancient jade masterpieces possessing rarity, artistry, and historical value will continue to show a steady upward trend in price, becoming a bright spot in the art investment landscape.