Another Milestone for Song Dynasty Jade Market: Poly Auction's White Jade Chi Dragon Cup Fetches Over 6.7 Million, Highlighting the Enduring Appeal of Classical Art

Another Milestone for Song Dynasty Jade Market: Poly Auction's White Jade Chi Dragon Cup Fetches Over 6.7 Million, Highlighting the Enduring Appeal of Classical Art

[Beijing, February 28, 2026] Amidst continuous adjustments in the global art market, the Chinese ancient art sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and unique appeal. Today, Poly Auction's highly anticipated "Song Dynasty White Jade Cup with Chi Dragon Motif" (Lot 6521) hammered for an astonishing RMB 6,775,615, significantly exceeding its lower estimate of RMB 4,946,599. This once again affirms the unshakeable position of top-tier Song Dynasty jade wares in the collecting world.

This much-anticipated Song Dynasty jade cup became the highlight of the auction due to its exceptional material, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound historical and cultural connotations. Crafted from superior Xinjiang Hetian white jade, its warm and delicate texture, coupled with natural localized russeting, eloquently speaks of its millennium-long journey and profound accumulation. The vessel is well-proportioned, in a high-footed cup form, with flowing lines and harmonious proportions. Most captivating is its carving: two chi dragons, rendered through a combination of high relief and openwork techniques, either coil around the body or ingeniously form the handle, creating vivid, expressive, and highly artistic forms. This "emphasizing artistic conception and refined elegance" Song Dynasty jade carving style not only reflects the aesthetic tastes of literati and scholars of the time but also represents the pinnacle of ancient Chinese jade art. The inscription "Made in the Great Song Dynasty" at the base further adds definitive dating and historical value to this treasure.

This high-price transaction is not accidental but rather the result of multiple converging factors. Firstly, scarcity and uniqueness are core determinants of its value. Song Dynasty jade wares are relatively rare, and well-preserved, exquisitely carved, and well-provenanced masterpieces are even rarer. This chi dragon cup, in terms of jade quality, form, motif, and inscription, stands as an exemplary work of Song Dynasty jade. Secondly, the market's sustained pursuit of high-quality artworks. During times of increased economic uncertainty, high-net-worth collectors tend to invest in hard assets with potential for value preservation and appreciation. Chinese ancient art, particularly cultural relics with clear historical backgrounds and artistic merit, is undoubtedly a prime choice. They are not merely symbols of wealth but also expressions of cultural taste.

From a broader market trend perspective, this transaction also sends several important signals:

• Revaluation and Rediscovery of Song Dynasty Art: In recent years, Song Dynasty calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, and jade wares have repeatedly set new records in international and domestic auction markets. This reflects the market's high recognition of Song Dynasty aesthetics, philosophy, and craftsmanship. The "minimalist, elegant, and restrained" oriental beauty embodied in Song Dynasty art is gradually being understood and sought after by global collectors.


• Structural Optimization of the Chinese Ancient Art Market: As the knowledge and connoisseurship of collectors improve, the market's demand for "storytelling," "provenance," and "academic rigor" is increasing. Auction items with clear origins, well-documented records, and research value often perform significantly better than ordinary collectibles.


• The Dominant Position of the Asian Market, especially mainland China, in Global Art Transactions is Increasingly Prominent: Poly Auction, as a leading domestic auction house, successfully selling this Song Dynasty jade cup once again demonstrates the strong appeal and professional operational capabilities of Chinese local auction houses in the field of ancient art.

Looking ahead, we have reason to believe that the market for Chinese ancient art, particularly Song Dynasty masterpieces, will continue its steady growth. With increasing cultural confidence and a deeper global understanding of Eastern art, more treasures with historical and cultural value will emerge, bringing further surprises to the collecting world. At the same time, it reminds collectors, when investing in ancient art, to pay greater attention to authenticity, condition, provenance, and art historical significance to achieve long-term investment returns and spiritual enjoyment. The successful auction of this Song Dynasty white jade chi dragon cup undoubtedly marks a strong start to the 2026 art market, signaling a year full of vitality and opportunities for collectors.