Authenticity, Attribution, and Description
At LiuHe Curio, we present Chinese works of art, antiques, and collector’s objects 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, and mark are based on our visual assessment and collecting judgment, taking into account form, craftsmanship, surface character, patina, wear, material qualities, and comparison with known examples. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such descriptions should be understood as informed opinion rather than laboratory certification or museum-level authentication.
Dating and Period Language
When we use terms such as “Qing style,” “Ming style,” “in the style of,” “late Qing to Republic,” “bearing a mark,” or similar phrases, we do so to communicate our considered view of the object as it appears to us. These terms are intended to describe period relationship, stylistic affiliation, or mark-bearing characteristics with appropriate caution. They should not always be read as absolute guarantees of manufacture date or authorship.
Marks, Seals, and Inscriptions
Marks, seals, inscriptions, and reign references are recorded as part of the object’s description when present. However, the presence of a mark alone does not necessarily confirm the exact date or authorship of an object. As in the wider art and antiques trade, marks may function in different ways, including commemoration, homage, workshop practice, later addition, or stylistic reference.
Material and Condition
Statements regarding material are offered in good faith on the basis of observation and experience unless accompanied by specific testing or documentation. Natural variation, age, wear, firing irregularities, restoration, losses, patina, and surface changes are part of the life of many objects and should be expected where appropriate. We encourage buyers to review photographs carefully and to request further details if needed before purchase.
Certificates and Guarantees
Unless explicitly stated, our objects are not sold with third-party certificates or laboratory reports. Our descriptions reflect our own assessment and are intended to assist collectors in making informed decisions. We do not claim absolute certainty where certainty is not possible, and we prefer measured attribution to overstatement.
Questions Before Purchase
We welcome serious questions before purchase and are happy, whenever possible, to provide additional photographs, closer details, condition notes, or further clarification regarding attribution and presentation. We encourage buyers to make use of this opportunity, especially when considering higher-value or more specialized works.
our aim
Our goal is to present each object with integrity: neither diminished into generic decoration nor overstated beyond what can reasonably be supported. We aim to offer objects of genuine visual, material, and collecting interest, described in a manner consistent with thoughtful connoisseurship and responsible trade practice.