Hangzhou, May 18, 2026 – The highly anticipated Xiling Yinshe 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, with the 'Jijin Leshi · Ancient Jade Session' performing particularly well. The total transaction value reached RMB 125 million, with an impressive sell-through rate of 88.5%, marking a 15% increase compared to the same period last year, indicating a steady recovery in the ancient jade market.
A total of 120 exquisite ancient jade pieces were presented in this session, covering various types of jade ware from the Neolithic Age to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. High-ancient jades were undoubtedly the highlight of this auction, with several pieces setting new records for similar artifacts. The leading lot was a 'Neolithic Liangzhu Culture Jade Cong,' which, with its grand form, exquisite patterns, and rich patina, was hammered at RMB 38 million, far exceeding its pre-auction estimate of RMB 25 million, becoming the highest-priced item of the session. Another 'Warring States Period Dragon-shaped Jade Pendant' also fetched RMB 15 million, with a premium rate of 50%, its superb craftsmanship and rare theme attracting fierce bidding from buyers.
Analysis of the transaction data reveals several prominent features of this auction: Firstly, high-ancient jades, especially exquisite pieces from the prehistoric to Han Dynasties, remain a hot pursuit in the market. Their scarcity, historical value, and artistic merit collectively supported their high transaction prices. Secondly, imperial court-level and literati-favored jade wares from the Ming and Qing Dynasties also performed well, such as a 'Qianlong White Jade Carving of a Scholar under Pine Tree Mountain,' which sold for RMB 8.5 million, demonstrating the market's continued preference for finely crafted and auspiciously themed literati jades. Thirdly, exquisite ancient jades repatriated from overseas were also favored by collectors, with their clear provenance and well-documented transmission history enhancing their market competitiveness.
Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: "As a major hub for cultural and artistic auctions in China, Xiling Yinshe's ancient jade session performance has always been regarded as a market barometer. The impressive results of the ancient jade segment in this spring auction, particularly the strong performance of high-ancient jades, clearly indicate that market confidence in collecting exquisite ancient jades is steadily recovering. Amid increasing global economic uncertainties, ancient jade artifacts, which possess both artistic, historical, and investment value, are becoming a preferred asset allocation choice for high-net-worth individuals."
Professor Wang, Vice President of the China Jade Culture Research Association, also stated: "The success of this auction lies not only in the transaction figures but also in its positive role in the inheritance and promotion of ancient jade culture. High-quality ancient jade artifacts embody the profound historical and cultural heritage of the Chinese nation, and the increase in their market value reflects the growing societal recognition of traditional culture. In the future, with the deepening of academic research and the improvement of market regulations, ancient jade collection will usher in broader development space."
Looking ahead, industry insiders generally believe that the ancient jade market will continue to show a polarized trend: exquisite, rare, and well-provenanced ancient jade artifacts will continue to be sought after, with prices expected to rise steadily; while common pieces and those in poor condition may face greater market pressure. Collectors entering the market need to pay more attention to the authenticity, condition, cultural connotation, and provenance of the artifacts to mitigate risks and achieve value growth. The success of Xiling Yinshe's spring auction undoubtedly injected a strong boost into the art market for the second half of 2026, signaling that a spring for ancient jade collection is quietly approaching.