A Pechoin face cream and serum set sold for nearly RMB 1.1 million (approximately $150,000) at the China Guardian Autumn Auction, marking the highest price ever achieved by a beauty product at a major Chinese auction, according to report.
It is understood that China Guardian Auctions was established in May 1993. Primarily focused on the auction of Chinese cultural relics and artworks, it is one of China’s top ten auction houses. At the 2025 China Guardian Autumn Auctions, more than 5,300 cultural relics and artworks were sold, generating total sales of RMB 1.34 billion. The auctions achieved an average sell-through rate of 79 percent, with 18 lots selling for over RMB 10 million and 188 lots exceeding RMB 1 million.
The lot was acquired by an anonymous online bidder and stood out in a sale more commonly associated with fine art and collectibles. Unlike conventional auction items, the value of the Pechoin set was not linked to historical ownership or rarity of age, but to its materials and craftsmanship.
The product was jointly created by Chinese skincare brand Pechoin and Cheng Lei, a recognized inheritor of Suzhou jade carving, which is listed as China’s national intangible cultural heritage. Each container was hand-carved from a single piece of Hetian jade, a material traditionally regarded as one of the most valuable forms of jade in China. The work was inspired by Pechoin’s Lingyu (Exquisite Jade) product line and drew on carving techniques associated with imperial-era jade craftsmanship.
According to publicly available information, the design references the jade cong, a ritual object dating back to the Neolithic period, characterized by a square exterior and circular interior. The skincare products inside incorporate ingredients such as Hetian jade powder, pearl powder and herbal components commonly used in traditional Chinese formulations, with a focus on addressing skin-aging concerns.
The sale reflects the growing crossover between China’s beauty industry, traditional craftsmanship and the auction market, as domestic brands increasingly experiment with cultural and artistic collaborations that extend beyond conventional retail channels.
