Faience and Glazed Materials

Physical identification

Silica-based faience, glaze, frit and composite materials. Record dimensions, weight, manufacture, surfaces, repairs, labels, mounts and inscriptions before cleaning or treatment.

Key cautions

• Powdering surfaces need conservators.
• Bright color does not prove authenticity.
• Salts affect appearance.

Provenance and lawful movement

Document texture, joins, deposits, corrosion, movement and prior treatment. Stop handling when surfaces powder, flakes lift, corrosion appears active or cracks move.

Authenticity and conservation

Condition and authenticity can be intertwined. Artificial deposits, modern joins and restored surfaces may disguise manufacture. No single photograph, certificate or test proves the complete history of an object.