Thinking of purchasing an
autogrpah or genga online?
But are you uncertain
of the item's authenticity?
Currently, many of the handwritten items brought to Mandarake are counterfeit, and most of them have been purchased online.
To prevent such issues, Mandarake is introducing "Authenticity Advice".
Since we cannot see the actual item in person, we will base the assessment on extensive data and reliable authenticity techniques Mandarake has gathered throughout the years.
Unlike the "Authenticity Appraisal," which includes a guarantee certificate issued by Mandarake, the appraisal rate will be lower as we cannot verify the acquisition route or physically assess the item. Mandarake will not provide a certificate of authenticity with this appraisal.
We encourage you to use this service as advice with a high level of certainty if you are eager to purchase an item online which you are uncertain of its authenticity.
As a troublesome issue, vendors are selling reproductions as authentic handwritten items on purpose.
Mandarake aims to tackle this issue using our extensive data and reliable authenticity techniques.
Most won't be able to tell the difference, as modern reproductions are well-made.
Mandarake's official authentication process includes over 30 categories to review, each with numerous intermediate tasks to ensure authenticity.
Mandarake, a publicly listed company with over 44 years of experience, has developed advanced authentication techniques.
Please use Mandarake's reliable and trusted authentication services to prevent purchases from malicious counterfeiters.
Mandarake issues the “Mandarake Authenticity Certificate,” which indicates our assessment of a work's authenticity, and the “Mandarake Guarantee,” which guarantees the authenticity of items sold by our company. The “Authenticity Assessment” indicates our determination regarding whether an item is genuine or a forgery, while the “Guarantee” defines the liability we assume based on that determination. The two are not the same.
1. About Mandarake's Authenticity Certificates
The Mandarake Authenticity Certificate (hereinafter referred to as the “Authenticity Certificate”) sets forth our judgment regarding whether a work is genuine or a forgery.
It does not indicate the market value, price, or market rate of the work. If you wish to have the work appraised for value, please use our separate appraisal service.
The appraisal results are based on the materials, knowledge, and findings available at the time of issuance.
If new materials are discovered or other reasonable circumstances arise after issuance, we may revise the appraisal.
Unlike the “Mandarake Guarantee” attached to items sold by our company, the Authenticity Certificate does not, in principle, constitute a refund guarantee. The Authenticity Certificate reflects a judgment based on our professional expertise, and we assume no liability whatsoever for any damages arising in connection with its contents (including failed resales and losses due to market fluctuations). Furthermore, any presentation or use of this document to third parties shall be at the user’s own risk.
2. About Mandarake's Simplified Appraisal Service
We conduct appraisals without physically inspecting the item.
Since our assessment is based solely on images without the physical item, we do not issue a certificate of authenticity; the results are provided as advisory guidance.
We provide appraisals based on information visible in the images of items listed on e-commerce and auction sites for customers who wish to verify authenticity before purchasing.
3. About the Mandarake Certificate of Authenticity
The Mandarake Certificate of Authenticity guarantees the authenticity of the artwork or merchandise sold by our company.
There is no set validity period for this guarantee. However, it is conditional upon our ability to verify that the artwork matches the certificate and that we can cross-reference the information.
If we subsequently acknowledge that there was an error in the guarantee, we will issue a refund in accordance with our terms and conditions.
Even if the work is authentic, if facts are discovered that affect the guarantee—such as the extent of the handwritten portions, the use of partial printing or reproduction, or the presence of additions or retouching—we will fulfill the guarantee or correct the description accordingly.
Re-appraisals will be conducted only when we deem it necessary.
As a general rule, we do not accept requests for re-appraisals based solely on the customer’s wishes.
4. General Provisions
If we are unable to verify the original certificate, certificate number, or other verification information specified by us, we may be unable to process requests based on the appraisal report or guarantee certificate.
The information on the certificate is not fixed at the time of issuance but is updated periodically.
If there is suspicion of forgery or other significant circumstances arise, we may conduct an internal verification or re-appraisal at our discretion, even if you do not request a re-appraisal.
If a certificate is altered, duplicated, misused, or otherwise deemed invalid by us, that certificate will lose its validity.
Terms of Use
Mandarake Authenticity Certificate
- The basis for authenticity will not be stated on the certificate unless we deem it necessary.
- We do not issue replacements. If you wish to request a replacement due to loss or other personal circumstances, please use our Authentication Service.
Mandarake Warranty Certificate
- Scope of Refunds
If we acknowledge that there was an error in the warranty details, we will refund the sales price of the product, handling fees, and consumption tax (up to the amount we received), as well as shipping costs (actual costs if known; estimated costs if unknown). This is conditional upon the return of the product and the original warranty certificate, as well as the verification that the product matches the warranty certificate. However, lost profits, storage costs, and other indirect damages are not eligible for refund. - Refund Procedure
If a refund is approved, please return the product covered by the warranty using the return method specified by us. Shipping costs incurred for returns sent without prior notification or via methods not designated by us may not be eligible for reimbursement. - Refunds will be issued exclusively in Japanese yen (JPY).
- Refunds will be issued only to the individual named on the certificate issued by us.
- If you do not request a refund, or if the owner cannot be identified, we reserve the right to publish the relevant certificate number on our website as an “Invalid Certificate” to prevent secondary damage. Once published, the certificate will lose all validity.
- The warranty does not guarantee the condition or quality of the product.
- Even within the warranty period, the following cases are excluded from coverage.
- Deterioration, damage, or soiling resulting from storage conditions clearly deemed inappropriate given the nature of the product, such as prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or high-temperature, high-humidity environments.
- Cases where restoration, modification, or replacement of parts is permitted
- Cases where verification information specified by our company—such as the original certificate, certificate number, or hologram seal—cannot be confirmed
- Changes in condition occurring after the shrink wrap or outer packaging has been opened
General Terms
- If we are unable to verify the original certificate or certificate number, we cannot uphold the appraisal findings or fulfill the warranty
- Reissuance
We do not reissue appraisal certificates or warranty certificates. A new appraisal and issuance will be provided for a fee - Transfer
We do not provide any warranty between the transferee and our company - Alteration, Duplication, and Unauthorized Use
In the event of alteration, duplication, or use for unauthorized purposes of either the appraisal certificate or the warranty certificate, we may disclose information such as the name of the individual to prevent harm. Furthermore, we will take legal action against all possible offenses, including forgery of private documents, fraud, and violations of the Trademark Act. - Receipt of a warranty or appraisal certificate constitutes agreement to these terms and conditions.