TIANLICHUJU — PERSONAL VERIFICATION WORKSHEET
A wabi-sabi living room with a sound repaired centerpiece
https://tianlichuju.com/journal/a-wabi-sabi-living-room-with-a-sound-repaired-centerpiece/

PROPOSED CHECKS — NO MEASURED RESULTS SUPPLIED
Date: __________________  Units: __________________
Room / product reference: __________________

1. Wear versus failure map
Where: At the cabinet's joints, feet, back, doors, shelves, and marked or repaired surfaces.
Record: Photograph each concern with its location and intended storage role; distinguish a visible mark from movement, looseness, or a damaged support.
Your observation: ______________________________________________
Interpretation: The map frames a condition discussion, not proof of structural safety, coating identity, or the cause of an old stain.
Alternative: Have uncertain functional concerns assessed before applying a finish that might conceal the evidence.

2. Repair-choice record
Where: At the specific damaged area with the restorer's proposed treatment described beside the object.
Record: Write what material is retained or replaced, how visible the repair is expected to remain, and how future maintenance would work.
Your observation: ______________________________________________
Interpretation: A visible contrast can be a considered choice, but the worksheet does not establish the authenticity or reversibility of an unspecified technique.
Alternative: Select a quieter sound treatment or postpone cosmetic work when a dramatic repair has no practical justification.

3. New role and contact
Where: Inside the cabinet with the actual planned contents, and at handles and top edges during normal use.
Record: Measure clear openings in centimeters, list heavier new contents, and note sticking catches, splinters, or device-access requirements.
Your observation: ______________________________________________
Interpretation: A previous lightweight role does not establish suitability for books or equipment, and attractive wear does not justify uncomfortable contact.
Alternative: Choose a less demanding role or another piece if adaptation would require substantial irreversible alteration.

PRACTICAL TRIAL
1. Obtain a defined repair scope before comparing restoration with replacement.
2. Place the retained cabinet beside quieter actual furniture rather than adding artificial patina everywhere.
3. Keep care information and photographs of agreed repairs with the cabinet record.

COMPARE THE SAME SCOPE
- Necessary structural work versus optional cosmetic work
- Transport, intended inventory, and appropriate adaptation
- Finish care and future independent component repair
Cost drivers: Unknown coatings or concealed damage; Specialist matching and veneer work; Large-object transport and access
Choose another route when: Retaining the cabinet in the proposed role is unsuitable when sound repair or necessary access would destroy the material qualities the owner intended to preserve.

EVIDENCE BOUNDARY
No restoration has been carried out or condition certified. The worksheet does not verify age, provenance, sustainability benefits, or the safety of an existing coating.

PHOTO REFERENCE
A rectangular table and benches sit in strong daylight beside glazed walls, with the floor route visible around them.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Furnitures_in_the_sunlight_(Unsplash).jpg

DECISION CONDITIONS
choose: Choose retention when a condition-based assessment supports the cabinet's intended role and the repair can remain understandable, maintainable, and compatible with its actual construction.
alternative: Use a quieter repair or a less demanding storage role when a contrasting patch or equipment conversion adds work without helping the object continue useful life.
stop: Stop cosmetic treatment if it conceals unstable joints, uncertain coatings, or unexplained damage that should be understood before refinishing or assigning heavier contents.

PUBLISHED REFERENCES
CCI Note7/2: Care of Furniture Finishes
https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care-furniture-finishes.html
CCI distinguishes sound and degraded furniture coatings and notes that previous interventions may be hidden. Its guidance supports assessing the actual finish before cleaning or repair, rather than assuming visible wear identifies either a safe treatment or a defect that must disappear.
Scope: Conservation finish advice does not authenticate the cabinet, determine structural capacity, or prescribe a repair technique for an unidentified surface.
Photographer: Harry Tang anthrax_thy
Licence: CC0 http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en

Notes: ________________________________________________________