Beijing, November 22, 2026 – The highly anticipated Beijing Council International 2026 Autumn Art Auction concluded successfully yesterday. The total transaction volume for this autumn auction reached RMB 780 million, with a remarkable sell-through rate of 82%, representing a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. This indicates a strong recovery in the art market, particularly in the jade sector. Among them, fine Bi Yu jade pieces became the highlight of this auction, with multiple lots selling at significant premiums, attracting widespread attention from the industry.
This auction presented nearly 2,000 lots, covering various categories including Chinese painting and calligraphy, porcelain and miscellaneous items, ancient books and rare editions, Buddhist art, and jewelry and jade. In the jewelry and jade special session, the Bi Yu jade section performed exceptionally well. Notably, a 'Qing Dynasty Qianlong Period Bi Yu Jade Carved Taotie Pattern Square Pot' was hammered at RMB 18.5 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of RMB 12 million, with a premium rate of 54.17%. Another piece, a 'Ming Dynasty Bi Yu Jade Carved Auspicious Beast Knob Seal,' sold for RMB 9.8 million, an increase of 40% from its estimate of RMB 7 million. In addition, several small and medium-sized Bi Yu jade ornaments such as Hetian Bi Yu jade bracelets and pendants also performed well, with transaction prices generally higher than market expectations, achieving an average premium rate of over 25%.
Mr. Zhang Ming, Deputy General Manager and Head of the Jade Department at Council International Auction, stated in an interview: “The excellent performance of Bi Yu jade fine pieces in this autumn auction is, on one hand, due to Council International's strict control over the origin of lots and professional selection, ensuring the rarity and artistic value of the items. On the other hand, it also reflects the current market's general recognition of the collection value of high-quality Bi Yu jade. Particularly, Qing Dynasty imperial Bi Yu jade, with its warm and delicate material, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound historical and cultural heritage, has always been a focal point for collectors.”
Market analyst Ms. Li Hua pointed out that in recent years, affected by global economic fluctuations, the art market faced adjustments. However, since the second half of 2025, with the gradual stabilization of the economic environment and the increased demand from collectors for asset preservation and appreciation, high-end art, especially rare and culturally significant jade pieces, has seen its investment value increasingly highlighted. Bi Yu jade, as an important component of traditional Chinese jade, has entered a steady upward trend in market price after a brief consolidation. The success of this Council International autumn auction undoubtedly injected a shot in the arm for the Bi Yu jade market, signaling a new period of growth for Bi Yu jade collection in the coming years.
From the transaction data, the buyer structure of this auction also showed a diversified trend, including not only seasoned collectors but also many new and younger buyers. Their focus on Bi Yu jade is no longer limited to traditional forms; they also show strong interest in modern Bi Yu jade works with novel designs and exquisite craftsmanship. This indicates that the Bi Yu jade market is gradually broadening its audience base, providing broader space for future development.
Looking ahead, industry experts generally believe that with the revival of traditional Chinese culture and the continuous growth of national wealth, the jade collection market will remain active. Bi Yu jade, as an important category, its value will be further explored. Collectors are advised to still pay attention to the material, craftsmanship, age, and provenance when investing in Bi Yu jade, making rational judgments and avoiding blind following. The outstanding performance of Beijing Council International's autumn auction undoubtedly laid a good foundation for the 2027 spring auction market, and we have reason to expect more excitement in the future art market.