Does the artist provide a certificate of authenticity for each craft sculpture?

Great question, and one that a lot of thoughtful collectors ask. The short answer is: yes, most professional artists do provide a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) for each original craft sculpture they create. But let me walk you through the details so you know exactly what to expect.

A Certificate of Authenticity is essentially the artwork's birth certificate. It proves that the piece is an original creation by the artist, not a replica, and it helps establish provenance—the history of ownership and authenticity of the work. For craft sculptures, which are often handmade, one-of-a-kind, or part of a limited series, having a COA is a standard and professional practice.

When I create a craft sculpture, I include a COA that typically lists the title of the piece, my name, the date of creation, the materials used, the dimensions, and the edition number if it’s part of a limited run. I sign and often seal it to ensure it’s genuine. Many artists also attach a small photograph of the piece to the COA for added clarity and security.

Of course, not every artist does this automatically. If you're buying from a market, a gallery, or an individual seller, it's perfectly fine to ask directly: “Do you provide a certificate of authenticity with the sculpture?” A trustworthy artist will be happy to provide one. If they don’t, you’ll want to ask why and consider whether the piece is truly original and documented properly.

For serious collectors, the COA adds value and peace of mind. It protects you if you ever decide to sell the sculpture, and it confirms the integrity of your purchase. So in short—yes, a responsible artist provides a certificate for each craft sculpture. And if they don’t, you can request one. It’s part of the trust and craftsmanship that makes owning an original art piece so special.