Warring States Celadon Jade Bi Disc Fetches High Price: Resilience and Value Return in Ancient Jade Market

BEIJING, March 13, 2026 — At Poly Beijing's Spring Auction, a highly anticipated “Warring States Period Celadon Jade Bi Disc with Grain Pattern” (Lot 2413) hammered down for RMB 4,722,066, significantly exceeding its lower estimate of RMB 3,010,213. This transaction not only highlights the rare value of top-tier ancient jade but also injects a strong boost of confidence into the ancient jade sector amidst a somewhat volatile art market, signaling the robust market resilience of high-quality ancient jade.

Lot Analysis: Period Splendor and Exquisite Craftsmanship

This Warring States celadon jade bi disc is a prime example of its kind, excelling in material, craftsmanship, and historical value. The Warring States period was a golden age in the history of Chinese jade, with the perfection of the ritual jade system, advancements in carving tools, and diversified aesthetic concepts collectively fostering a large number of exquisite jade artifacts. The chosen celadon jade material is warm and lustrous, and the natural coloration formed by localized infiltration, far from detracting from its beauty, adds to its ancient charm and profound history.

Most striking is the exquisite carving of the grain patterns on its surface. As one of the classic motifs on Warring States jade bi discs, grain patterns symbolize abundant harvests and favorable weather, embodying the ancients' aspirations for a good life. The grain patterns on this disc are neatly arranged, plump, and rendered in low relief. The lines are fluid and powerful, and the carving technique is precise, demonstrating the masterful skill of Warring States jade artisans. At that time, creating such a jade bi disc not only required significant human and material resources but also demanded high artistic accomplishment and patience from the craftsmen. Its excellent preservation and complete condition are particularly rare and valuable.

Market Performance: Exceeding Expectations, Demonstrating Confidence

The hammer price of this Warring States celadon jade bi disc, which falls in the upper-middle range of its estimate (¥3,010,213 - ¥6,020,426) and achieved a premium of over 50% above the lower estimate, fully illustrates the strong demand and recognition for high-quality ancient jade in the market. This result is particularly encouraging given the complex and volatile global economic situation and the various uncertainties facing the art market.

Analysts point out that the value of the ancient jade market, especially the archaic jade sector, is primarily supported by its irreplaceable historical and cultural attributes and scarcity. Compared to contemporary art or modern and contemporary Chinese paintings, the number of extant ancient jade pieces is limited, and each carries unique historical information and aesthetic value. As collectors increasingly pursue cultural connotations and artistic taste, ancient jade with clear historical periods, exquisite craftsmanship, and good provenance will become increasingly prominent in terms of investment and collection value.

Market Trends: Steady Growth and Value Return

This auction result is not just an isolated success but also reflects several important trends for the ancient jade market in the coming years:

  • Continued Effectiveness of Boutique Strategy: Market interest is shifting from 'broad and comprehensive' collecting to 'small and exquisite.' Collectors are more inclined to invest in top-tier ancient jade pieces that have undergone rigorous authentication, are in perfect condition, and have a clear provenance. The success of this bi disc is another testament to the boutique strategy.

  • Value Return and Resilience: During economic downturns, ancient jade, due to its scarcity and historical-cultural value, exhibits strong resilience. Unlike some short-term speculative categories, it is less susceptible to market sentiment fluctuations and possesses a more solid value foundation.

  • Mutual Promotion of Academic Research and Market: With continuous archaeological discoveries and advancements in academic research, the dating, craftsmanship, and cultural connotations of ancient jade are being revealed more clearly. This not only enhances collectors' understanding of ancient jade but also provides the market with more authoritative bases for value judgment, thereby promoting healthy market development.

  • International Perspective and Cultural Confidence: More and more international collectors are beginning to pay attention to Chinese ancient jade, viewing it as a treasure in world art history. At the same time, domestic collectors are increasingly confident in traditional Chinese culture, willing to invest more effort and capital in collecting and preserving these precious cultural heritages.


Looking ahead, the ancient jade market, especially the archaic jade sector from the Warring States and Han dynasties, is expected to maintain steady growth driven by high-quality pieces. For collectors, in-depth research and careful selection will be key to seizing market opportunities. The successful auction of this Warring States celadon jade bi disc undoubtedly injects new vitality and confidence into the entire ancient jade market, heralding a more rational and mature era of collecting.