【Beijing, May 18, 2026】The highly anticipated Poly 2026 Spring Auction concluded successfully yesterday, with the “Jade Splendor – Hetian Jade Seed Material Masterpieces Special Session” performing particularly brilliantly. The total transaction volume exceeded 250 million RMB, with a remarkable 92% sell-through rate, once again affirming the strong rebound of the high-end Hetian jade seed material market.
This auction presented a total of 120 carefully selected Hetian jade seed material lots, covering a diverse range from rough stones to carved pieces. Among them, a “Mutton-fat Jade Seed Material Rough Stone” weighing 350 grams became the highlight of the session due to its delicate and warm texture, flawless white color, and rich skin tone. After multiple rounds of intense bidding, it finally sold for a staggering 38 million RMB, an increase of 90% from its lowest estimate of 20 million RMB. Another “Blessings and Longevity” Hetian jade seed material hand-piece, created by contemporary jade carving master Mr. Wang, sold for 12 million RMB, far exceeding its 8 million RMB estimate with a 50% increase, thanks to its exquisite craftsmanship and auspicious symbolism. In addition, a batch of small, exquisite seed materials, weighing between 50 and 100 grams and in excellent condition, also performed well, with an average transaction price increasing by approximately 15% compared to the same period last year.
Mr. Li Ming, General Manager of Poly Auction's Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy & Antiques Department, stated in an interview: “The outstanding performance of this Hetian jade seed material special session fully demonstrates the market's continued pursuit of high-quality, rare jade materials. Although the market has experienced some adjustments in the past few years, true masterpieces have never been underestimated. We have observed that collectors are increasingly demanding regarding the origin, skin color, fineness, and carving craftsmanship of jade materials, which is driving the market towards a more professional and refined direction.”
Professor Zhang Hua, a senior jade market analyst, pointed out: “The Hetian jade seed material market in the 2026 Spring Auction exhibited several significant characteristics: firstly, a clear polarization trend, with top-tier rough stones and master-carved pieces repeatedly setting new records, while ordinary categories performed moderately; secondly, an enhanced investment attribute, with some collectors viewing Hetian jade seed material as a hard currency and an important component of asset allocation; thirdly, a growing young collector group, who place more emphasis on the cultural connotations and artistic value of jade materials. It is expected that the Hetian jade seed material market will continue to maintain steady growth in the next few years, but the requirements for jade quality and artistry will become even more stringent.”
From the data, the total transaction volume of this auction increased by nearly 40% compared to 180 million RMB in the 2025 Spring Auction, and the sell-through rate also improved from 85% to 92%, indicating a significant recovery in market confidence. Particularly, Hetian jade seed materials with clear traceability of origin and no signs of optimization treatment were highly recognized by the market. This suggests that after a round of market reshuffling, investors and collectors have a more mature understanding of Hetian jade seed materials, and their ability to discern authenticity and quality has greatly improved.
Looking ahead, with the continuous development of the Chinese economy and the trend of traditional cultural revival, Hetian jade seed material, as a treasure of Chinese civilization, will further highlight its collection and investment value. However, market participants also need to be vigilant against counterfeit products and the risks of blind following, investing rationally to share in the long-term dividends of the jade market. Poly Auction will continue to uphold a rigorous and professional attitude, providing collectors with more high-quality Hetian jade seed material lots, and contributing to the healthy and orderly development of the market.