Case studies - Oxford Authentication

Over many years, we have tested over 50 thousand ceramic objects. Our work not only provides reassurance, but can also reveal a wide range of different types of forgery, many very ingenious. As our case studies show, TL testing is a powerful tool in the battle to uncover forgery. As a result, our reports are respected internationally by museums, collectors, dealers and courts of law.

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Nero – Old Restoration, courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces

TL testing can distinguish genuine objects from forgeries.

Oxford Authentication® TL testing Thermoluminescence case study I Nok figure_white

African I Nok figure made from unrelated parts – Xray

This figure is made from several unrelated fragments.

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Genuine bases inserted into modern porcelain

A modern vase with an inserted ancient base.

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Han Dancing Lady – made of unrelated ancient clay parts

The x-ray shows how this Han dancing lady was created.

Oxford Authentication® TL testing Thermoluminescence case study horse-with-insertions 250

Genuine sections in an otherwise modern piece

This looks like a Tang dynasty horse but only two inserted sections are genuine.

A jumble of unrelated ancient pieces

See how a genuine antiquity was made from several objects.