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READING / Materials & making

Repairs belong in the description

A glue line, filled corner or replacement loop changes how an object is understood.

Thai cultural context. Not merchandise, provenance evidence or authentication.
Thai cultural context. Not merchandise, provenance evidence or authentication.
Wat Ratchathammaram, Koh Samui · Photo: Anton Lammert / Unsplash · Images & sources ↗

A closer look

A glue line, filled corner or replacement loop changes how an object is understood. Photograph its position and distinguish known from unknown. “Good condition” should not be a shortcut around specific repairs.

How to continue

Continue looking: write down visible details and keep interpretations in a separate column. Record viewing conditions, the photograph date and missing information. Revise when evidence changes, so the next reader can see what supported each judgement.

Scope: this is an editorial close reading. References support only the named collection examples or care principles, not authentication of shop stock or claims of religious efficacy.