Term
Unique work
An object or work made as a single example, in contrast to a series or edition.
- Category
- Term
- Index letter
- U
Understanding the term
A unique work may be intended as singular from the outset or result from a process that cannot be repeated exactly. Handmade variation does not necessarily make every product unique if the objects were still conceived as a series.
When Unique work appears in a description, the term helps specify a work's form, status or history. Its precise meaning should always be read alongside information about material, technique, date and origin.
Specialist terminology is most useful when it can be supported. Signatures, labels, edition numbers, documentation and visible traces in the object can all help establish whether a term is accurate in a particular case.
Related entries
Continue through the glossary with terms from the same field.