East Asia

Physical identification

Ancient Chinese, Korean and Japanese bronzes, ceramics, jade and tomb material. Record dimensions, weight, manufacture, surfaces, repairs, labels, mounts and inscriptions before cleaning or treatment.

Key cautions

• Tomb objects raise heightened concerns.
• Archaic-style bronzes and jades are widely reproduced.
• Scientific testing needs documentary evidence.

Provenance and lawful movement

Determine likely source country or countries, the date the object left, applicable patrimony laws, export-certificate requirements and destination-country import restrictions.

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.