Hello, everyone,

 

I am developing a manual for a 3D object cataloging project and I would be very interested in seeing any manuals - or sections/related documents, from other institutions.

 

For instance, I am currently working on creating instructions for physical descriptions but as you can see from the examples below - all excellent descriptions - other than advising "be very thorough", it is hard to distill fora guide.  We have a wide variety of objects  (art, textiles, jewlery, toys, clothing, utensils, weapons) which  also complcates the task.

 

 

Physical description: (V&A):  Open filigree pendant in the shape of a rectangular hollow Latin cross. The front of the cross is hinged at the top so that it can be opened. There are filigree flames in the angles of the cross, and similar decoration at the ends of the arms. The filigree has been broken off at the end of each arm, except the top one. There is a suspension ring at the top of the cross made of zigzag wire, the end of which extends half way down the back of the cross.

Physical Description (USHMM): Green cloth body (a) with short sleeves and a two button v-neck, two pleated pockets with button and flap, each shoulder has an epaulet, six scout badges and one cloth tag attached; square blue cloth (b) with grey textile border on three sides; rectangular leather band (c) with single elastic strap attached to each end, pinned to leather is metal shield with two columns behind two seated lions and banner with “S” and “F” at either end and tied knot decoration below (safety pin also in bag, not listed on deed of gift)

YPM ANT 205178 (Yale Peabody)

Catalog Entry.......

Bowl with straight lip. White porcelain covered except for the bottom of foot-ring with white glaze; decorated inside with a center medallion of five-clawed dragon and cloud motifs in red enamel and gilt; on the outside with two dragons, two pearls, and cloud motifs in the same enamels in a field of polychrome (yellow, blue, green, rose) enamel could motifs above a border of green and brown enamel waves; edge of mouth rim gilded; famille rose; good quality of the period; six character

(Cooper-Hewitt): Widely spaced curving horizontal bands in red, ivory, black and yellow crossed by an undulating narrow band. The background is alternating black and white opposed diagonals of equal widths meeting at the center line.