A compact record for objects whose materials, forms and histories meet in the same case.
Do not smooth a composite object into one story. Separate boundary, join, surface, fragment, display and source, then decide what can responsibly be reconnected.
Name the object, institution and identifier. Record outline, mount, case and any side the display hides.
02
Join
Locate where materials, forms, figures or inscriptions meet. Describe the seam before deciding what it means.
03
Surface
Map paint, glaze, gold, stone, fibre, repair and reflection with relative language. Source technical names later.
04
Fragment
Record break, edge, thickness and loss. Do not let a complete reconstruction replace the piece in front of you.
05
Sequence
Trace one relation: lid to vessel, setting to stone, figure to base, sign to surface or mount to object.
06
Display
Test a second position. Note label, light, glass, plinth and the parts that remain unavailable.
07
Source
Attach an object record for title, date and material; use visitor guidance only for current access and rules.
08
Limit
End with uncertainty and a dated correction line. Keep observation, source wording and interpretation separate.
IN THE GALLERY
Describe the meeting point.
Start at a seam, edge, setting, lid, break or change of surface. Write what the eye can test from the current position. If the case hides a reverse or a mount interrupts a base, mark unavailable before consulting a complete image. A mixed object becomes clearer when its physical meeting points remain visible.
AFTER THE VISIT
Attach the exact source.
Use a collection record for title, date, material, restoration and object history. Use visitor guidance for hours, access and photography. Preserve wording and access date. A later source can extend the note, but it should not silently replace what the display allowed you to see.
CORRECTION LINE
Show what changed.
Write which layer changed, which source supports it and whether the original observation still stands. Keep the unedited context photograph beside any crop or tonal derivative. End with a question another visit or record could answer.
Three rules
Find the join. Keep the break. Source the name.
Portable output
One identifier, two viewpoints, one layer map, one source and a dated correction line.
