Hong Kong, April 20, 2026 – Sotheby's, the renowned global auction house, successfully concluded its Spring Sale 2026, once again injecting strong confidence into the art market with its exceptional offerings and impressive sales figures. The total sales for this spring auction reached a staggering $250 million, exceeding the pre-sale high estimate by 15%, with a sell-through rate of 88%. This fully demonstrates the sustained enthusiasm of global collectors for exquisite artworks, particularly in the archaic jadeite sector.
The undisputed highlight of this auction was a series of exquisite ancient jade bi discs from the 'Important Chinese Art' specialist sale. Among them, a 'Warring States to Early Western Han Dynasty Celadon Jade Bi Disc with Grain Pattern,' estimated at $8 million to $12 million, finally hammered down at an astonishing $21.5 million, with a buyer's premium inclusive price of $25.8 million, representing a premium of 115% over its high estimate. This jade bi, with a diameter of 28 cm, boasts a warm jade quality, neatly arranged grain patterns, exquisite craftsmanship, and perfect condition, making it a standout among its peers. Another 'Neolithic Liangzhu Culture Jade Cong' also sold for $12 million, far exceeding its $6 million estimate, showcasing the rarity and academic value of prehistoric jadeite in the market.
According to Mr. Nicolas Chow, Chairman of Sotheby's Asia, the total sales for the ancient jade bi section in this spring auction reached $65 million, accounting for nearly 30% of the total sales for Chinese artworks, a 25% increase compared to the same period last year. He noted, "The market demand for high-quality ancient jade bi, especially those with clear provenance, excellent preservation, and superb craftsmanship, has consistently remained strong. The results of this auction once again confirm this, as collectors are willing to pay premium prices for these artworks imbued with profound historical and cultural heritage."
Market analyst Mr. Li Ming commented on the auction results, stating, "The data from Sotheby's Spring Sale 2026 clearly indicates that global economic uncertainties have not diminished the resilience of the top-tier art market. On the contrary, as an investment with both hedging properties and cultural value, archaic jadeite is attracting increasing attention from seasoned collectors. Ancient jade bi, in particular, with its unique form, rich cultural connotations, and scarcity, has become a continuously rising star segment in the Chinese art market. We anticipate that in the coming years, the prices of well-preserved ancient jade bi with clear provenance will continue to experience steady growth, with an average annual increase expected to remain between 10% and 15%."
The buyer demographics for this auction were also noteworthy. In addition to traditional Asian collectors, institutional and private collectors from Europe and America showed keen interest, engaging in fierce bidding. Ultimately, several high-value jade pieces were acquired by international collectors, reflecting the expanding global influence of Chinese ancient art. An anonymous senior collector remarked, "Ancient jade bi are not merely exquisite artifacts; they are carriers of ancient Chinese philosophy and cosmology. To collect such treasures is a tribute to and a continuation of history and culture."
Looking ahead, as global awareness of traditional Chinese culture continues to grow, and as high-net-worth individuals increase their demand for art investment allocation, the market for ancient jadeite, especially iconic categories like jade bi, will see further exploration and recognition of its value. Sotheby's Spring Sale 2026 undoubtedly provides strong evidence for this trend, foreshadowing a more prosperous period for the archaic jadeite market.