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To spare aggravation and crankiness, allow me to repeat a request to the Forum moderators to state in the Forum introduction that, if one is seeking a translation, an effort should be made to include clear photos of the entire piece, not just the inscription.

It takes some experience to realize that art inscriptions can be inscrutable without the surrounding context - e.g., trying to identify a painting from a signature, without viewing the supporting work for evidence as to whether it's a forgery or not. The inexperienced don't understand that something might say more than what the mere characters or script might read. But those new to the art scene - having inherited grandma's collection, or something - likely are unaware of that, and follow a misguided sense of efficiency by only photographing the inscription, thinking it's the main requirement.

Those outside a field of expertise can also over-estimate the visual recognition ability of experts. Any jeweler can tell you of someone waving a ring in front of them and asking whether the diamonds are "flawless." Yes, one can often quickly visually separate out the commonplace, but the really interesting pieces require far more exacting examination, where context is important.

Wading through the commonplace in search of the rare gems is the game - Antiques Road Show, as an obvious example. Doubtful the professionals there are discourteous or sneering, even when confronted by hordes holding hideous dreck, because they know better than to snootily discourage the uninformed.

So could newcomers to the Forum simply be informed that good, complete pictures are necessary?

Well said and thanks.

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