Ralf Kotalla with his son Benjamin

 The expert ...

+ ... gained first, important experience with ceramics through activities in the art trade, gallery and antiques business.
+ ... in 1979 first contacts with the field of forgery analysis.
+ ... failed in the attempt of obtaining orders beyond research.

+ ... thereupon took the initiative and convinced the Rathgen-Institute, Berlin, of the idee to draw up expert reports for commercial purposes.

+ ... attended first training courses at the Rathgen-Institute, Berlin. Further courses
completing his training.
+ ... had himself trained as radiation security agent.
 
Area of competence
- Reliable evaluation of the authenticity of baked clay objects requires, besides complex
technical equipment, wide expert knowledge.
- 30 years of TL-analysis of ceramics from such differnt areas as, for example, Chinese,
Antique, African or Pre-Columbien culture underlines great experience.
- The tests for authencity are performed according to the thermoluminecence-procedure (TL).
Latest computer technology supports and completes analysis. Thus defination of age is
possible with +/- 20-35% exactitude. This is more than sufficient to identify modern
imitations.
 
The certificate
The Ralf Kotalla Laboratory establishes only top quality expert reports. These are outstanding by quickness of analysis, precision of statements and layout. In urgent cases, transportation of objects for analysis or the taking of samples on the spot, abroad or at home, are part of the institute´s extensive service. Regular visits to Paris, Brussels and Zurich round off our service.
In all cases, from the taking of samples to the complete expert´s report, Ralf Kotalla is your partner.		 certificate
 
 
Labor Ralf Kotalla, Kätzling 2, D-72401 Haigerloch ­ Weildorf
Tel.: 0049­7474/9536­0, Fax: 0049­7474/9536­10, Mobile: 0049(0)171/6228521