Proper procedures must be followed to ensure the reliability of the chain of ownership, to secure the dependable transfer of property, and to assure the enforcement of the rules thatgovern real property.
Considerations include whether there is a verifiable chain of ownership for that work of art until today, whether that art work has ever been published in any exhibition catalogs or other publications, and whether it been appraised or received a statement of authenticity by a recognized authority on that artist.
Japan and China are currently involved in a territorial dispute over ownership of an East China Sea island chain, with the row sparking a Chinese boycott of some Japanese goods.