noun
certificate of authenticity; appraisal certificate
A document certifying the authenticity, quality, or value of an item, especially in contexts like art, antiques, or swords.
この刀には極め書きが付いている。
This sword comes with a certificate of authenticity.
骨董品を買うときは極め書きを確認したほうがいい。
When buying antiques, it's better to check the appraisal certificate.
鑑定書 is a more general term for an expert appraisal document, while 極め書き specifically refers to a certificate of authenticity or quality, often with a traditional or artistic connotation.
Compound of 極め (kiwame, 'determination, judgment') + 書き (kaki, 'writing'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term likely originated in traditional appraisal contexts.