Original Engravings, Prints & Lithographs

Yes — international art-trade convention and CBP practice recognize that original prints are by nature produced in editions. What matters is that the stone, plate, or block was worked directly by the artist, not that only one impression exists. However, photomechanical reproductions signed by the artist do not qualify; the matrix itself must be hand-worked.

Importers should retain the artist's certificate or publisher's attestation describing the printing process, the edition size and number, the medium (etching, lithography, woodcut, etc.), and confirmation that the matrix was hand-worked. For auction-sourced works, the auction catalog entry and provenance records serve as supporting documentation. These records are particularly important if CBP issues a CF-28 request for information.