Attribution, Authenticity & Description
At LiuHe Curio, we present Chinese objects, antiques, scholar’s objects, and works of art with care, honesty, and appropriate restraint. We believe that objects should be described responsibly, without exaggerated claims or false certainty.
Our Standard of Description
Descriptions of period, style, attribution, origin, material, mark, and condition are offered in good faith on the basis of visual assessment, comparative reference, craftsmanship, surface character, wear, patina, material qualities, and collecting judgment.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, such descriptions should be understood as informed opinion rather than laboratory testing, museum-level authentication, third-party certification, or absolute guarantee.
Dating and Period Language
Terms such as “Qing style,” “Ming style,” “Song style,” “Pre-Ming style,” “Late Qing–Republic style,” or similar expressions are used to describe the visual, stylistic, or comparative relationship of an object to a historical period, tradition, or form.
Where a stronger period attribution is given, it should still be understood within the limits of visual assessment unless supported by formal third-party documentation.
The use of period or style language does not necessarily mean that an object has been scientifically tested, academically certified, or independently authenticated.
Attribution and Marks
Some objects may bear marks, inscriptions, seals, reign marks, signatures, or decorative references. Such marks are described as part of the object’s visual and material character. Unless expressly stated, the presence of a mark should not be understood as a guarantee of date, maker, workshop, imperial origin, or formal attribution.
When appropriate, we may describe a mark, inscription, or attribution as being “in the style of,” “bearing a mark,” “attributed,” “after,” or “associated with” a particular tradition, period, or artist. These terms are used with caution and should be read as descriptive language, not absolute certification.
Material Descriptions
Material descriptions are based on visual inspection, handling, comparative reference, and available information. Unless expressly stated, materials have not been subject to laboratory testing, gemological testing, scientific analysis, or independent certification.
For jade, hardstone, bronze, wood, lacquer, textile, ceramic, and related materials, descriptions are offered in good faith but should be understood as careful opinion rather than technical certification.
Condition and Age Character
Many objects offered by LiuHe Curio may show wear, patina, surface variation, firing irregularities, natural inclusions, small losses, age-related marks, restoration, or other characteristics associated with use, handling, display, or material change over time.
Such characteristics are part of the nature of antiques, collected objects, and decorative works. We aim to describe visible condition matters where possible, but buyers are encouraged to request additional photographs or condition clarification before purchase.
No Third-Party Certificate Unless Stated
Unless expressly stated on the product page or in written communication, objects are not sold with third-party authentication certificates, laboratory reports, formal appraisal documents, provenance documents, or museum-level authentication.
Buyers who require independent certification, laboratory testing, or formal appraisal should arrange such review before purchase where possible.
Questions Before Purchase
Questions before purchase are welcome for any object. For higher-value or specialized works, we especially encourage buyers to request additional photographs, closer views, condition notes, packing details, or further clarification regarding attribution before ordering.
We aim to provide thoughtful and practical information to help buyers review objects carefully at a distance.