Patinа

Patinа is a delicate coating that appears over time on the surface of antique objects made of silver, bronze, porcelain, and wood, giving them nobility and historical depth. This "time shell" can result from oxidation, contact with the environment, or storage conditions. Collectors value genuine patina for its ability to tell the story of an object, as every mark is a part of the past.

There have been instances where modern items were passed off as having artificial patina (created by restorers to add antique value). Such a "scam" in the early 20th century led to scandals at auctions, and since then experts have been particularly attentive to natural signs of aging. Patina should not be confused with a layer of dirt – patina highlights the individuality of items and can significantly increase their value on the art market.