This guide explains the Foundation’s services for owners, buyers, galleries and auction houses: the catalogue raisonné, registering a work, authentication and certificates, and what to do when a work changes hands.
- The catalogue raisonné
- Registering a work
- Authentication
- Certificates and how to check them
- When a work changes hands
- Buying a work safely
- Membership and private viewings
- Questions
The catalogue raisonné
A catalogue raisonné is the complete, researched record of an artist’s works. The Jai Zharotia Foundation is preparing the catalogue raisonné of Jai Zharotia: his paintings, works on paper, drawings, sketchbooks, prints and ceramics, from 1964 to 2021, with what is known of each work’s history.
For collectors this matters. A work that is recorded in the catalogue raisonné is easier to exhibit, lend, insure and sell, and the record protects every owner against fakes.
Registering a work
If you own a work by Jai Zharotia, please register it. Registration is free and open to everyone.
- Fill in a short form with your name, email and city, and what you know about the work: its title or a description, medium, size and how you came to own it.
- Add a photograph of the front of the work. Photographs of the back and of the signature are very helpful.
- You receive a reference number (for example JZ-REG-2026-0001) by email.
- The Foundation looks at your registration, may write to you with questions, and records the work in the catalogue raisonné.
Registration is not authentication. No certificate is issued for it. It is a record, kept privately by the Foundation. If you also want a certificate, tick the box on the form or apply for authentication.
Authentication
Works falsely attributed to Jai Zharotia may be in circulation. On request, the Foundation examines a work and, where it is satisfied, issues a certificate of authenticity signed by two trustees. Authentication is a service for members of the Foundation.
How it works
- Apply. Sign in and fill in the application: details of the work, where it came from, photographs of the front, back and signature, and any papers such as invoices or letters.
- Estimate. The Foundation looks at your application and sends you a written estimate of the fee. Nothing is payable until you accept it.
- Payment. If you accept, we send you bank or UPI details. Payment is made directly to the Foundation; there is no online payment on this website.
- Inspection. The work is normally brought to the Jai Zharotia studio in Greater Noida for physical examination, on a date agreed with you. In some cases the Foundation may decide this is not needed.
- Decision. The Foundation reaches one of three opinions: authentic, not authentic, or no conclusion.
- Certificate. If the work is authentic, a numbered certificate with a photograph of the work is printed, signed by two trustees and handed to you.
Fees
The fee is at least ₹5,000 for each certificate. It depends on the value and condition of the work and the research it needs. You always receive a written estimate first. The fee is not refundable, whatever the outcome.
Important to know
- A certificate is the expert opinion of the Foundation. It is not a valuation, it says nothing about condition or price, and it does not prove who owns the work.
- The Foundation may decline to examine a work, or may not be able to reach a conclusion. Its decision is final.
- Certificates are issued in English.
Certificates and how to check them
There are two kinds of certificate:
- Certificate of Authenticity (numbers beginning JZ-COA): for works acquired from galleries, auction houses or other owners, issued after examination.
- Certificate of Authenticity: a work from the Estate of Jai Zharotia (numbers beginning JZ-EST): for works acquired directly from the estate.
Every certificate has a number and a verification code, printed beside each other at the top, and a QR code. Scan the QR code with a phone camera, or type the number and code on the Check a certificate page. Anyone can do this, at any time, free.
The check page shows one of these results:
- Valid certificate, with a photograph of the work and its details. Compare the photograph, the size, the signature and, where shown, the photograph of the back and the security seal number with the work in front of you. They must match.
- Revoked: the Foundation has withdrawn the certificate. Do not rely on it.
- Replaced: the work has changed hands and a new certificate was issued to the new owner. Ask the seller for the current certificate.
- No certificate found: check what you typed. If it still does not match, the certificate is not one issued by the Foundation. Please write to us before buying.
A certificate is valid only as the original printed document, signed in ink by two trustees, and only while the check page shows it as valid. Owners’ names are never shown.
When a work changes hands
If you have bought, been given or inherited a work that has a Foundation certificate, ask for the certificate to be transferred to you. Sign in, open the Authentication page and use “Transfer the certificate to your name”, with the certificate number and code and proof such as an invoice, gift deed or will.
When the Foundation approves the transfer, it records you as the owner and issues a new certificate with a new number and code. The old certificate then shows as replaced, so there is only ever one current certificate for each work. Please return the old certificate to the Foundation.
If you sell a certified work, please tell the buyer to ask for the transfer. A buyer will want a certificate that shows as valid.
Buying a work safely
- Ask the seller for the Foundation’s certificate, or for documents showing where the work came from.
- Check the certificate online before you pay, and compare the photograph and details with the work itself.
- Ask for an invoice or bill of sale. The certificate is not proof of ownership.
- After buying, ask for the certificate to be transferred to your name.
- If anything does not match, or you are unsure, write to the Foundation first.
Membership and private viewings
Membership of the Foundation is approved by the Foundation. Members can apply for authentication, see works and exhibitions shared with members, and may see online exhibitions before they open to everyone.
Collectors, galleries, institutions and auction houses can ask for a private viewing: a selection of works, chosen for you and shared online for a set time. Most of Jai Zharotia’s work is not shown publicly.
Questions
Is registering a work the same as getting a certificate?
No. Registration records the work in the catalogue raisonné, free of charge. A certificate is issued only after authentication.
Can a work be authenticated from photographs alone?
Normally not. The work is examined in person at the studio, unless the Foundation decides that is not needed for a particular work.
How long does authentication take?
It depends on the work and the research it needs. The Foundation will tell you the expected time with the estimate.
Can I get my fee back if the work is not found authentic?
No. The fee pays for the examination and research, whatever the outcome.
Can the Foundation tell me what my work is worth?
No. The Foundation does not give valuations. A certificate says nothing about price.
Will my name be published?
No. Owners’ names, contact details and the location of works are kept private and never appear on the website.
I have lost my certificate. What should I do?
Write to the Foundation. We can withdraw the lost certificate, so that it cannot be misused, and advise you on a replacement.
The check page says “Replaced”. What does it mean?
The work has changed owner and a new certificate was issued. The certificate you are looking at is no longer current. Ask the seller for the current one.
How can I see or acquire works from the estate?
Most works are not shown publicly. Collectors, galleries and institutions can request a private viewing, or write to the Foundation.
Anything else? Please write to us.