【Hangzhou, May 18, 2026】The highly anticipated Xiling Yinshe 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday. The “Jijin Leshi – Ancient Jade Special” particularly stood out, achieving a total transaction value of RMB 185 million and a remarkable sell-through rate of 88.5%, significantly exceeding market expectations and injecting a strong boost into the ancient jade market in recent years.
This ancient jade special featured 120 exquisite pieces, covering various jade artifacts from the Neolithic age to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Among them, high-ancient jades performed most prominently, becoming the focus of the auction. A “Hongshan Culture Jade Pig Dragon,” estimated at RMB 28 million to 35 million, sold for a hammer price of RMB 42.5 million. Including commission, the final transaction price reached RMB 48.875 million, an impressive premium of 23.9%, setting a new record for Hongshan Culture jade auctions in the past five years. Another “Late Warring States Period White Jade Dragon-shaped Pendant” also fetched a high price of RMB 18.2 million, a premium of 13.8% above its upper estimate.
The mid-to-low-end ancient jade market also showed positive momentum. A batch of small jade items such as Han to Song dynasty jade pendants and belt hooks, estimated between RMB 100,000 and 500,000, generally achieved sell-through rates above 90%, with many selling above their median estimates, indicating sustained enthusiasm for entry-level ancient jade collecting.
Market Analysis and Trend Prediction:
The success of Xiling Yinshe's ancient jade special undoubtedly sends a positive signal to the currently somewhat subdued art market. Mr. Li Ming, a senior auction industry analyst, pointed out: “The results of this auction indicate that the scarcity and artistic value of high-end, exquisite ancient jades remain crucial drivers of the market. Under economic downward pressure, capital tends to flow towards hard assets with clear value support and potential for appreciation, and high-ancient jades fit this characteristic perfectly. At the same time, the activity in the mid-to-low-end market also demonstrates the expansion of the collector base and the recovery of confidence in cultural and art investment.”
From a macro perspective, with the gradual stabilization of the global economy and the upgrading of domestic cultural consumption, the art market is embracing new development opportunities. Ancient jade, as an important carrier of Chinese civilization, its cultural value and historical significance are self-evident. The buyer composition in this auction also showed a diversified trend, including not only seasoned collectors and institutional investors but also a growing participation from younger generations of collecting enthusiasts, injecting new vitality into the market.
Expert Commentary:
Professor Wang, Vice President of the China Jade Culture Research Association and a renowned jade appraisal expert, stated in an interview: “Xiling Yinshe, as a top auction house in China, bases its success on professional academic research and rigorous selection of auction items. The success of this ancient jade special once again proves the market value and cultural charm of high-ancient jades. Especially the Hongshan Culture Jade Pig Dragon, with its regular shape, warm jade quality, and exquisite carving, is a rare artistic treasure. Its high-price transaction is not only an acknowledgment of its artistic value but also a tribute to China's prehistoric civilization.”
Professor Wang further emphasized: “The future ancient jade market will show a polarized trend. On one hand, top-tier ancient jades with perfect condition, clear provenance, and profound cultural connotations will continue to maintain strong growth, becoming an important part of asset allocation for high-net-worth individuals; on the other hand, mid-to-low-end jade artifacts with certain historical value and artistic beauty will also attract more new collectors due to their accessible prices and unique charm. However, collectors still need to be vigilant when investing, guarding against fakes and excessive speculation, and focusing on the authenticity, condition, and cultural value of the jade.”
Overall, the outstanding performance of Xiling Yinshe's 2026 Spring Auction ancient jade special indicates that the ancient jade market is undergoing a positive adjustment and recovery. Guided by professional institutions and with the restoration of market confidence, ancient jade collecting is expected to usher in a healthier and more prosperous period of development.