Guides · Field tool
Porcelain observation checklist
Record what the object shows before deciding what it is. One feature never proves origin, workshop or age.
Whole object
Photograph front, back, both profiles, interior and base in even light.
Scale and dimensions
Record height, width, opening, foot diameter, weight and a ruler in at least one photograph.
Body and foot
Describe exposed body colour and texture, foot shape, trimming, kiln grit and wear without assigning a date.
Glaze
Use raking light to record pooling, bubbles, crazing, abrasion, restoration and where the glaze stops.
Decoration
Record whether pigment appears under, in or over the glaze; include brush, print and edge details.
Condition
Map chips, cracks, firing faults, repairs, overpainting and any missing areas.
Provenance and limits
Separate documents and ownership history from visual observations, then state what remains unknown.
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