
Porcelain sculptures require meticulous packaging to survive transit unscathed. Professional shippers employ a multi-layered approach starting with acid-free tissue paper to prevent surface scratches. Each delicate protrusion is individually wrapped with soft foam tubing before the entire piece receives a bubble wrap cocoon - typically 2-3 inches thick for medium-sized pieces.
The wrapped sculpture is then suspended in a double-walled cardboard box using dense foam spacers that prevent movement in all directions. For high-value pieces, custom wooden crates with shock-absorbing foam inserts are constructed. Temperature-stable packing peanuts fill all voids to eliminate shifting during transport.
Special attention is given to moisture protection with silica gel packets and waterproof outer wrapping. "Fragile" and "This Side Up" markings appear on all sides in multiple languages. Some shippers even use vibration sensors inside packages to monitor handling conditions. The most secure shipments combine these physical protections with climate-controlled transport vehicles for temperature-sensitive pieces.
Insurance experts recommend photographing the sculpture from all angles before packing and maintaining detailed documentation of the packaging process. This systematic approach combining cushioning, stabilization, and environmental controls ensures even the most delicate porcelain artworks arrive in pristine condition.