
Proper documentation of porcelain sculpture creation is essential for establishing provenance and ensuring the artwork's long-term value. Here are key best practices:
1. Comprehensive Creation Records:
Maintain detailed logs of each stage, including:
- Clay composition and sourcing details
- Firing temperatures and schedules
- Glaze formulas and application methods
- Tools and equipment used
- Studio location and environmental conditions
2. Visual Documentation:
- High-resolution photographs from multiple angles at each creation phase
- Video recordings of complex techniques
- 3D scans for digital preservation
3. Authentication Measures:
- Artist's signed certificates with creation details
- Third-party expert verification when applicable
- Unique identifiers like embedded tags or microscopic signatures
4. Material Archiving:
- Preserve material samples (clay, glazes)
- Maintain test tiles with identical firing conditions
- Document any experimental techniques
5. Digital Preservation:
- Use blockchain technology for immutable records
- Cloud storage with multiple backups
- Metadata tagging for easy retrieval
6. Exhibition and Handling Records:
- Document all exhibitions and transportation
- Record conservation treatments
- Note any repairs or restoration work
By implementing these documentation practices, artists and collectors can establish clear provenance trails that enhance artwork value, facilitate authentication, and preserve the sculpture's historical record for future generations. Regular updates to documentation throughout the artwork's lifetime are equally important as the initial creation records.