Southern Red Agate Market Reaches New Heights: Mid-Qing Chilong Ruyi Scepter Fetches Over ¥680,000, Signaling Sustained High-End Collecting Enthusiasm

Southern Red Agate Market Reaches New Heights: Mid-Qing Chilong Ruyi Scepter Fetches Over ¥680,000, Signaling Sustained High-End Collecting Enthusiasm

[January 28, 2026, London] At Bonhams' Asian Art auction held today, a highly anticipated Mid-Qing Dynasty Southern Red Agate 'Chilong' Ruyi Scepter ornament sold for an astonishing RMB 688,033 (approximately USD 95,000), significantly exceeding its pre-sale estimate (RMB 295,077 - 590,155). This result once again demonstrates the strong appeal and robust appreciation potential of high-end Southern Red Agate artworks in the international collecting market. This transaction not only set a new record for a single Southern Red Agate piece recently but also injected a strong dose of confidence into the current art market, particularly in the Chinese traditional crafts sector.

#### Exquisite Southern Red Agate, Exceptional Value

The Southern Red Agate ruyi (Lot 3943) that went under the hammer became the highlight of the auction due to its outstanding material, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound cultural connotations. The selected Southern Red Agate boasts a pure and rich color, combining the mellow depth of persimmon red with the vibrant freshness of cherry red, with natural cinnabar spots serving as strong evidence of its natural origin. The Mid-Qing Dynasty, a golden age for Chinese jade carving, saw the 'chilong' dragon motif on this ruyi carved with masterful skill. The dragons are depicted with vigorous forms, flowing lines, and meticulous attention to detail, fully embodying the aesthetic tastes of the imperial court or literati of the time. As an object symbolizing good fortune and auspiciousness in traditional Chinese culture, the ruyi's cultural significance adds further to its collectible value.

#### Market Analysis: High-End Collecting Defies Trends

In recent years, despite complex and volatile global economic conditions, the art market, especially the segment of Chinese traditional crafts with scarcity, historical, and artistic value, has shown remarkable resilience. Southern Red Agate, as a unique and precious Chinese jade, has inherent long-term investment value due to its scarcity. Particularly, well-preserved, exquisitely carved antique Southern Red Agate pieces from the Qing Dynasty are highly sought after in the market.

Bonhams' success in this auction is not coincidental. It reflects several key market trends:

• Highlighting the Value of Scarce Resources: The increasing depletion of high-quality Southern Red Agate raw material makes existing antique masterpieces even more valuable. Demand for high-quality, large-sized, and pure-colored Southern Red Agate remains strong.


• Return to Traditional Craftsmanship: With growing cultural confidence, market recognition and appreciation for traditional Chinese crafts continue to rise. The superb skills of Qing Dynasty carvers still possess strong vitality in contemporary aesthetics.


• International Collecting Perspective: This auction, conducted on an international platform, attracted global collectors. This indicates the expanding influence of Chinese art worldwide and the increasing understanding and acceptance of traditional Chinese art by international collectors.


• Enhanced Investment Hedge Properties: In an uncertain economic environment, art as an alternative asset class, with its value preservation and appreciation characteristics, attracts more high-net-worth individuals. Fine art often acts as an inflation hedge and a preferred option for wealth inheritance.

Looking ahead, the Southern Red Agate market, especially the high-end segment, is expected to remain active. With the rise of new generations of collectors and deepening understanding of cultural and art investment, Southern Red Agate artworks that combine aesthetic, historical, and scarcity values will continue to be highly sought after. However, the market will also place greater emphasis on clear provenance, complete condition, and artistic merit. For investors and collectors, thorough research and careful selection will be key to seizing market opportunities.

The successful hammer price of this Mid-Qing Dynasty Southern Red Agate 'Chilong' Ruyi Scepter undoubtedly sets a positive tone for the 2026 art market, signaling that traditional Chinese crafts will continue to shine on the international stage.