Asian Art

Fine Asian Art Auction Review | Spring 2026 Edition

29 May 2026

Grace Tu

Lyon & Turnbull's Fine Asian Works of Art auction, held on 15 May 2026, achieved strong results, demonstrating the continued strength of the international market for Asian art and antiques. Featuring 345 lots spanning centuries of artistic and cultural heritage, the sale attracted highly competitive bidding from collectors around the world and realised a remarkable 168.5% of its pre-sale estimate.

The auction achieved a total exceeding £800,000*, reflecting steady demand across a broad range of categories. Collectors responded enthusiastically to the carefully curated selection of ceramics, jades, works of art, and decorative objects, with numerous lots significantly surpassing their pre-sale expectations.

Fine Asian Works of Art

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A standout highlight of the sale was a Chinese celadon jade cong with russet inclusions, which achieved an impressive £151,400 inclusive of Buyer's Premium. The result represented more than fifty times the lot's pre-sale estimate and underscored the continued appeal of rare and well-provenanced jade carvings among international buyers.

Commenting on the success of the auction, Grace Tu, Head of Asian Art at Lyon & Turnbull, noted the exceptional level of global participation and competitive bidding throughout the sale. The strong performance across multiple collecting categories reflects both the quality of the material offered and the enduring confidence of collectors in the Asian art market.

The auction's results reaffirm the sustained international appetite for works that combine historical significance, craftsmanship, and rarity. With numerous lots achieving multiples of their estimates, the sale demonstrated the depth of demand from both established collectors and new entrants to the market.

Specialist

Grace Tu

Head of Asian Art

Department