Hangzhou, May 18, 2026 – The highly anticipated Xiling Yinshe 2026 Spring Auction concluded yesterday. Among the highlights, the Ancient Jade session, with its exquisite offerings and impressive transaction data, once again affirmed the resilience and vitality of the high-end ancient jade market. This session featured 128 carefully selected ancient jade pieces, with 108 ultimately sold, achieving a high sell-through rate of 84.38%. The total transaction value reached RMB 285 million, a 15% increase compared to the same period last year.
The undisputed stars of this ancient jade session were several high-ancient jade artifacts. A Warring States period 'Dragon and Phoenix Pattern Bi Disc,' with its intricate carvings, lustrous jade quality, and distinguished provenance, became the focal point of the entire auction. After multiple rounds of fierce bidding, it was finally hammered at RMB 48 million, significantly exceeding its pre-sale estimate (RMB 28-35 million), with a premium rate as high as 71.4%. Another Western Zhou period 'Jade Huang Group Pendant' also fetched a high price of RMB 22 million, demonstrating the unshakeable position of high-ancient jades in the collecting world.
From the transaction data, in addition to the outstanding performance of high-ancient jades, jades from the Han to Song dynasties also showed a steady growth trend. For instance, a Han dynasty 'Chilong Pattern Jade Belt Hook' sold for RMB 6.5 million, an increase of 25% over its estimate; a Song dynasty 'White Jade Carving of Immortals Celebrating Longevity' sold for RMB 3.8 million, indicating continued market interest in exquisitely crafted and auspiciously themed medieval jades. However, ordinary themed jade pieces from the Ming and Qing dynasties, while having a decent sell-through rate, saw relatively flat price increases, with some lots selling only close to their lower estimates. This reflects a stricter market selection for jades from this period, with a greater preference for fine pieces and distinctive themes.
Mr. Li Ming, Head of the Ancient Jade Department at Xiling Yinshe Auction Co., Ltd., stated in an interview: "The success of this spring auction's ancient jade session is primarily due to two factors. Firstly, our rigorous selection of lots ensures the reliable provenance and excellent condition of each ancient jade. Secondly, the market's appreciation for the value of high-end ancient jades continues to grow, especially amidst increasing global economic uncertainties. High-ancient jades, as scarce and culturally valuable hard assets, have further highlighted their hedging and appreciation attributes."
Professor Wang, a renowned jade connoisseur and industry analyst, pointed out: "The data from the 2026 spring auction clearly indicates a strong rebound in the ancient jade market after a structural adjustment. High-ancient jades, especially those with clear dating, exquisite craftsmanship, and historical and cultural value, remain robust in price, even repeatedly setting new highs. This reflects that the confidence of top collectors in cultural art investment has not wavered. At the same time, we also see that investment in ordinary jade pieces is becoming more rational, with buyers paying more attention to the cultural connotation, rarity, and artistic value of the jade, rather than blindly chasing high prices. In the future, the ancient jade market will further develop towards specialization and refinement, and collectors and investors should pay more attention to in-depth research and precise judgment."
Looking ahead, with the revival of traditional Chinese culture and the increasing knowledge level of collectors, the ancient jade market is expected to maintain steady growth. Xiling Yinshe will continue to uphold a rigorous academic attitude and professional service spirit, presenting more exquisite ancient jade treasures to collectors, and contributing to the inheritance and promotion of traditional Chinese culture.