Marrying of unrelated parts

(i) X-ray of dancing lady

This Han dynasty dancing lady is made up of sections cut from pieces of ancient clay. The deception came to light when different TL glow-curves were obtained from each section.

(ii) Sausage dog made from slices of tomb tile.

Dog, China. Terracotta, 58cm Thermoluminescence (TL) analysis gave an age of 2000 years (±20%) and an analysis of the chemical composition of the terracotta revealed no anomaly.	Sausage dog flattened body view on disc 3 file sausage dog flattened body view.

This CT scan shows a flattened view of the dog's body confirming the juxtaposition of different terracotta slabs which are cemented together. The inner part of the body was scraped out to reduce the weight of the finished piece, the scraper being inserted into the dog's belly through a temporary trapdoor.
Courtesy Dr Marc Ghysels.
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Things to beware

• Modelling of ground up ancient clay mixed with binder - usually Han dancing ladies.
• Modern sculpture on ancient backing -normally a slab supporting the tomb.
• Han dynasty, green-glazed pottery owls. We have found a few which were made from fragments of ancient pottery covered in coloured acrylic glue which sets extremely hard, like a true glaze. This glue will dissolve in acetone.
• Yuan, Ming and other porcelain pieces are being artificially irradiated in Beijing to increase the apparent TL age.
• Chinese Yuan and Ming vases are being made with a genuine base inserted into the modern vase. These can be detected by detailed observation. The fine dividing line is disguised with acrylic paint which will dissolve in acetone. Acrylic paint can also be scratched with a pin, whereas a true glaze cannot.

Most of the Chinese pieces above were made in a factory dedicated to beating the TL test.
In addition, we have found forged Oxford Authentication reports. Always check your report with us.