Implementation of an Artwork Authentication System and Development of Policy and Regulation

Currently, there is no legislation or policy in Taiwan that directly calls for establishment of an authentication institution at the national level. Per suggestions from experts, this project will serve as the catalyst for establishment of an art authentication academic association and will plan to establish an art authentication database. The association will not take part in the authentication process nor generate authentication reports, but will regularly organize seminars and training to promote the science of artwork authentication. Association members will be divided into groups according to their specialization and skillset so there will be experts in a variety of areas such as cultural relic authentication, restoration, art history, archeology, law, etc. in hopes to shape the different facets of art authentication in Taiwan.

 

There are two purposes for establishing the association. The first purpose is to establish a certification system for art authentication experts and laboratories. Many experts or authentication institutes in Taiwan claim they have authentication capabilities and can generate authentication reports. However, the differences in training may cause professional disputes. Hence, the association will first research both domestic and international certification systems that can serve as a reference. Then, it will advise the government to establish certification standards and authentication process, either through policy or legislation. The science of artwork authentication in Taiwan can be more in line with international standards.

 

Second, we need to prepare an art authentication database in conjunction with the top-three art museums in Taiwan. Some of the issues faced by restorers and authentication experts in Taiwan include incomplete restoration information and an inability to do long-term tracking or regular updates of material samples. The association will collect restoration records and material samples from experts, scholars, and the public. The three major museums will be responsible for standardization authentication terminology, providing a template for entries, and increasing transparency for authentication equipment that can be used within Taiwan. Both sides will continue to contribute to the database for use in the government, academia, and the industry in order to help shaping the formation of the appraisal market.

 

This seminar was held on September 23, 2016. Dr. Chieh-hsiang Wu from the Department of Fine Arts at National Changhua University of Education, Professor Wei-Tun Chang from the Department of Forensic Science at the Central Policy University, Professor Hanzhong Wu from the Cheng Siu University Conservation Center, Ping Lin, director of the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, and special committee member Yen-ju Chou from the Department of Arts Development at the Ministry of Culture were invited to speak.