connoisseur; expert judge
Refers to a person with refined judgment and deep knowledge, especially in art, antiques, or specialized fields. Often implies the ability to authenticate or appraise.
He is renowned as a connoisseur of antiques.
The museum invited a connoisseur to determine the authenticity of the new painting.
評論家 is a critic who analyzes and publishes opinions, whereas 鑑識家 focuses on the ability to judge authenticity and quality, often without the public commentary aspect.
Compound of 鑑識 (discernment, appraisal) and 家 (person, expert). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term follows a common pattern for forming agent nouns in Japanese.