[Hangzhou, November 22, 2026] The highly anticipated Xiling Yinshe 2026 Autumn Auction concluded successfully yesterday. The “Ancient Jades Session” particularly stood out, achieving a total transaction value of RMB 185 million, with an impressive sell-through rate of 92.3%, significantly exceeding market expectations. This session featured 128 exquisite ancient jade treasures, with several high-ancient jade pieces selling for prices far above their estimates, demonstrating the strong resilience and recovery trend of the high-end ancient jade collecting market.
Key Auction Item Transaction Data:
Undoubtedly, the most prominent item in this session was a Warring States Period celadon jade bi disc with dragon and phoenix motifs. Its jade was warm and lustrous, the carving exquisite, and the patterns intricate yet dignified. The bidding started at RMB 28 million, and after multiple rounds of intense competition, it was finally hammered at RMB 52 million. Including commission, the final transaction price reached RMB 59.8 million, an increase of approximately 70.8% compared to its pre-auction estimate (RMB 25 million - 35 million). Another late Shang Dynasty jade ge-dagger-axe, with its regular form and natural russeting, sold for RMB 12.5 million, an premium rate of 45%. Additionally, a Western Han white jade belt hook, due to its unique shape and excellent preservation, sold for RMB 8.8 million, 30% higher than its estimate. Overall, items sold for over RMB 1 million accounted for 35% of the total, indicating strong market demand for exquisite ancient jades.
Market Analysis and Trend Prediction:
The success of this Xiling Yinshe Autumn Auction's ancient jade session undoubtedly injected a strong boost into the currently somewhat sluggish art market. From the transaction data, high-ancient jades (referring to jades from before the Warring States period) remain the focus of collectors, with their historical value, cultural connotations, and scarcity determining their stable market position. Especially unique pieces with excellent condition, clear provenance, and exquisite craftsmanship can maintain or even exceed their inherent value even during market adjustments.
We observe a diversified buyer structure, with not only seasoned collectors actively participating but also emerging younger collector groups beginning to focus on ancient jade collecting. They place more emphasis on the cultural stories, artistic value, and unique historical significance of the items. Furthermore, the activity of online bidding has significantly increased, indicating that technological empowerment is changing traditional auction participation models and expanding the potential buyer base.
Looking ahead, we anticipate that the ancient jade market will continue to show a polarized trend: exquisite high-ancient jades and medieval jades with unique artistic styles (such as literati objects and display jades from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties) will maintain a strong upward momentum; while ordinary pieces lacking distinct features or with questionable authenticity may face greater price pressure. Investors and collectors should pay more attention to the authenticity, condition, provenance, and the cultural value embedded in the items.
Expert Commentary:
Professor Li Ming, a renowned jade appraisal expert and Vice President of the China Jade Culture Research Association, stated in an interview: “The performance of Xiling Yinshe’s ancient jade session fully confirms the anti-recession and value-preserving capabilities of the high-end art market. Particularly, the high-premium sale of the Warring States dragon and phoenix bi disc not only reflects the market's recognition of such national treasure-level cultural relics but also embodies collectors' deep affection for excellent traditional Chinese culture. In the future, with the increasing national emphasis on cultural heritage protection and cultural confidence, the cultural attributes of ancient jade collecting will be further highlighted, and its market value will gain broader recognition.”
Mr. Zhang Hua, a senior auction house consultant, added: “The success of this autumn auction also benefited from the auction house's strict quality control and professional academic curation. Clear provenance and detailed research provided buyers with confidence. We recommend that collectors do their homework before entering the market, choose reputable auction platforms, and consult professionals to mitigate risks and enjoy the pleasure of collecting.”
The excellent results of this Xiling Yinshe Autumn Auction's ancient jade session undoubtedly set a positive tone for the upcoming 2027 spring auction season, indicating that the art market, especially the ancient jade sector, is gradually emerging from its adjustment period and embracing new development opportunities.