Dealer's Notes – What to look for

Dealer’s Notes present practical guidance on recognising quality, workmanship, and survival across historic decorative objects. These notes are written from a dealer’s perspective and are intended to support collectors and interior professionals in making informed assessments, rather than to offer definitive academic study.

The What to Look For series focuses on form, construction, surface treatment, and completeness, with particular attention paid to how objects have survived and are encountered in the market today.

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What to Look For: Indonesian Betel (Sirih) Nut Boxes

Practical notes on form, workmanship, completeness, surface patina, and secondary decorative use.
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What to Look For: Identifying Persian, Middle Eastern, and Indian Engraved Metal Trays

A practical identification guide focusing on construction methods, engraved surface work, weight, and visual indicators used when assessing hand-worked metal trays across Persian, Middle Eastern, and Indian contexts.
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