The use of scientific analyses as a supporting component in the Auction House: in an exemple of EDXRF study on chinese artefacts

Abstract

The global art market has always faced the problem of being flooded with frauds and forgeries. And the auction houses are looking for alternative ways to strengthen their expertise in distinguishing the real artefact from the fake ones. This paper observed the adaptation of various scientific techniques to be the solution. The auction houses are seeking support from technical and scientific examinations in order to overcome the questions on authenticity and attribution. It was believed that physical evidence obtained through scientific methods would be useful in settling disputes. In particular, this paper addressed an example of scientific analysis, Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) that was used in an auction house in Rome. The EDXRF is a non-destructive and efficient instrument, providing chemical composition that offer objective insights of the component of the sample. Results from pigments in samples of 18th to 20th century Chinese porcelain and wallpaper painting shown the colour were generated by metal oxides, yet because of the high lead detected from the samples and limitations of the equipment, it is only possible to have a general on the metal colouring agent and unable to name the specific pigment. The results generated from the EDXRF provided investigative leads to help with the identification of the dating, combined with the documented historical provenance of the work, it enhanced the value of the artefact. Portable EDXRF might be a worthful start to be an in-house scientific assistant. It is using scientific analysis to determine whether the physical substance of the piece complies with its attribution and provenance. Therefore, it is beneficial to the auction house to consider taking a scientific approach in the attribution process of an artefact.