Thin-Walled Jade Returns to the Auction Stage: Qianlong Biyu Vase Fetches Over 310,000, Market Confidence Continues to Rise

Thin-Walled Jade Returns to the Auction Stage: Qianlong Biyu Vase Fetches Over 310,000, Market Confidence Continues to Rise

BEIJING, January 21, 2026 – At Poly Auction Beijing's winter art sale today, a highly anticipated Qianlong period Hetian jade 'thin-walled' vase achieved a hammer price of RMB 318,263, successfully exceeding the lower end of its estimated range of RMB 224,060 - 448,120. This outcome highlights the sustained enthusiasm in the market for high-quality, expertly crafted antique artworks. The successful transaction of this lot (Lot 7466) not only affirms its artistic value but also reflects positive signals within the current art market, particularly in the Chinese antique sector.

#### The Pinnacle of Qianlong Thin-Walled Jade Craftsmanship and Market Value

The most striking feature of the Hetian jade 'thin-walled' vase sold today is its exquisite thin-walled craftsmanship. Thin-walled jade, a unique marvel in Chinese jade carving, demands extreme skill, requiring artisans to possess a profound understanding of jade's texture and tenacity, along with exceptional carving techniques and patience. The Qianlong period marked the zenith of jade development in the Qing Dynasty, characterized by immense imperial demand for jade and stringent requirements for craftsmanship. Thin-walled jade was considered a 'divine work' at the time, reserved for imperial use or as precious gifts. The walls of this biyu vase are as thin as cicada wings, allowing the warm luster of the jade to shine through when illuminated. This visual lightness, contrasted with the inherent weight of the jade, demonstrates the ingenious artistry of Qianlong-era jade carvers.

From a market perspective, imperial jade objects from the Qianlong period, especially those with challenging craftsmanship like thin-walled pieces, have consistently been sought after by collectors. Their rarity, historical significance, artistic merit, and superb craftsmanship collectively contribute to their high market prices. The transaction price of over 318,000 RMB, while not reaching the upper estimate, is considered robust given the current market conditions, indicating that the market's valuation of such treasures remains strong.

#### Market Trend Analysis: Steady Growth Amidst Development

In recent years, the global economic landscape has been complex and volatile, leading to adjustments in the art market. However, Chinese antique artworks, particularly those with clear provenance, excellent condition, and exquisite craftsmanship, have demonstrated strong resilience. The successful auction of this biyu 'thin-walled' vase reconfirms this trend.

• Boutique Strategy Proves Effective: Auction houses are increasingly prioritizing the consignment of 'hard currency' items with unique artistic value and historical-cultural significance. These premium pieces tend to maintain their appeal, and even appreciate, amidst market fluctuations.


• Collectors Balance Aesthetics and Investment: Contemporary collectors, when acquiring art, are increasingly focusing on the aesthetic value and cultural heritage of the artwork itself, in addition to potential investment returns. The Eastern philosophy and sophisticated craftsmanship embodied in thin-walled jade perfectly meet this multifaceted demand.


• Accelerated Integration of Online and Offline: Although the auction date is set for 2026, it is foreseeable that future art auctions will more deeply integrate online and offline models. Digital presentations and global promotion will further broaden the reach of artworks, attracting more international collectors.


• Accuracy of Valuation Strategy: The estimated range for this lot was reasonably set, providing the market with room for imagination while avoiding the risk of unsold lots due to overestimation. Accurate valuation strategies are crucial for attracting bidders and facilitating transactions.

Looking ahead, the Chinese antique art market will continue to be full of opportunities. With China's sustained economic growth and increasing cultural confidence, the domestic collector base will continue to expand, and the demand for high-quality art will steadily grow. Simultaneously, increasing international interest in traditional Chinese culture will inject new vitality into the market.

However, the market also faces challenges such as widespread counterfeits and information asymmetry. Therefore, both auction houses and collectors need to place greater emphasis on authentication, provenance research, and the accumulation of professional knowledge. Only within a regulated and transparent market environment can treasures like this Qianlong biyu 'thin-walled' vase truly realize their deserved market value and bring more surprises to the collecting world.

This successful auction by Poly Auction Beijing undoubtedly sets a positive tone for the 2026 art market, signaling that premium antique artworks will continue to be the main force, guiding collecting trends.