Qianlong White Jade Ruyi Scepter Fetches ¥7.23 Million, Signaling a Warming Trend in the Ancient Jade Market

Qianlong White Jade Ruyi Scepter Fetches ¥7.23 Million, Signaling a Warming Trend in the Ancient Jade Market

BEIJING, December 24, 2025 – At Beijing Kuangshi's recent autumn auction, a highly anticipated Qianlong period white jade 'Fu Shou Shuang Quan' ruyi scepter sold for RMB 7,237,695, significantly exceeding its minimum estimate of RMB 5,236,000. This impressive result not only reaffirms the market value of Qing dynasty imperial jade but also injects a strong dose of confidence into the currently subdued ancient jade market, suggesting that the high-end ancient jade sector may be entering a new recovery cycle.

#### Auction Item Details and Market Performance

This Qianlong white jade ruyi scepter, Lot 1221, had an estimated range of RMB 5,236,000 to RMB 10,472,000. While the final hammer price did not reach the highest estimate, it substantially surpassed the lower estimate, indicating strong market recognition for this piece and a relatively competitive bidding process. Crafted from superb Xinjiang Hetian white jade, the ruyi boasts a warm texture, exquisite carving, and auspicious symbolism, making it a quintessential example of Qing dynasty imperial jade. Its fine craftsmanship, rare material, and profound cultural connotations made it stand out among other lots and become one of the highlights of the auction.

Historically, Qing dynasty imperial jade, especially masterpieces from the Qianlong period, has consistently been a strong asset in the Chinese art market. Emperor Qianlong's passion for jade propelled the art of jade carving during his reign to unprecedented heights in terms of material selection, design, and craftsmanship. Consequently, such pieces often attract top collectors and demonstrate strong resilience against market fluctuations.

#### Analysis of Ancient Jade Market Trends

In recent years, influenced by the macroeconomic environment and market sentiment, the overall Chinese art market has been in a period of adjustment, and the ancient jade sector has not been immune. However, the successful sale of this Qianlong white jade ruyi scepter, with its price exceeding the lower estimate, sends several positive market signals:

• Highlighting the Value of Rarity and Quality: There remains strong demand for high-end ancient jade with genuine historical, artistic, and rare value. Buyers are becoming more rational in their choices, preferring to invest in 'hard assets' with clear provenance, excellent condition, and exquisite craftsmanship. This ruyi is a prime example that meets these criteria.


• Gradual Restoration of Collector Confidence: Despite the prevailing wait-and-see attitude in the broader market, the confidence of top collectors in high-quality pieces remains unshaken. Their willingness to pay premium prices for desired artifacts suggests that a market bottom may be forming, with some capital beginning to re-enter the art market.


• Balancing Cultural and Investment Value: With the revival of traditional Chinese culture and increasing national confidence, art pieces rich in cultural heritage are gaining more attention. Ancient jade, as an important carrier of Chinese civilization, is having its cultural and historical values re-evaluated, which in turn supports its investment value.


• Auction House Professionalism and Market Guidance: Beijing Kuangshi, as a renowned domestic auction house, played a crucial role in the success of this auction through its professional appraisals, rigorous selection of lots, and precise market positioning. By presenting high-quality items during a sluggish market, auction houses can help guide market expectations and boost collector confidence.

Looking ahead, the ancient jade market is expected to experience a structural recovery after its period of adjustment. The following trends are likely to become more pronounced:

* Increased Polarization: The market performance of common and lower-end ancient jade may remain weak, while high-quality, high-value exquisite ancient jade will continue to be highly sought after, with prices expected to rise steadily.
* Integration of Academic Research and Market: As academic research into ancient jade deepens, its historical context and cultural significance will be more comprehensively interpreted, further enhancing its collection value and market appeal.
* Growing International Collector Interest: With China's economic rise and expanding cultural influence, international collectors are showing increasing interest in Chinese art. More international capital is expected to enter the Chinese ancient jade market in the future.

In conclusion, the successful auction of the Qianlong white jade ruyi scepter is undoubtedly a positive signal for the ancient jade market at year-end. It reminds us that, in any market environment, true artistic masterpieces can transcend cycles and demonstrate their unique charm and value. For collectors, this might be an opportune moment to re-evaluate and strategize their ancient jade acquisitions.