Masterworks on record

About the archive

The Archive holds documented masterworks: objects in public collections, or with a public sale record, against which we judge every work we handle. Each record follows the four-part structure in our research standards: identification and maker; technique and record; iconography; and marks and box. Every fact is cited to the holding museum, a published catalogue or the auction house.

Records are not offers. Where a museum publishes an open-access photograph we reproduce it with its licence. Where it does not, we show a placeholder and link to the official record. For public auction results, with photographs credited to the auction houses, see the auction records, 120 lots across Satsuma, cloisonné, metalwork and studio ceramics.

Reading a record

Each record opens with the object as the holding institution or auction house names it, then gives maker, date, dimensions and the official record. The four parts that follow separate fact from opinion: what the sources say about technique and history; what the iconography shows; and what is written on the piece and its box. Comparisons with related works are listed at the end, so a reader can see where a judgement comes from.

Adding records

New records are added when a work can be documented from a museum catalogue, an official database or a published sale. Each is checked against its source before it is published, and the record date is given at the foot of the page.