Restoring damaged porcelain sculptures is a delicate and complex process fraught with significant risks. One primary concern is the inherent fragility of porcelain itself. Even minor mishandling during restoration can lead to further cracks, breaks, or irreversible damage to the original material.

Another critical risk involves the use of inappropriate adhesives or materials. Modern restoration compounds may not match the historical composition of antique porcelain, potentially causing discoloration, chemical reactions, or structural weaknesses over time.

The challenge of color matching presents yet another hazard. Porcelain glazes often develop unique patinas over centuries, making accurate reproduction extremely difficult. Overzealous restoration attempts can erase valuable historical evidence or create inauthentic appearances.

Structural integrity concerns are paramount, especially with load-bearing elements. Improper reinforcement techniques may compromise the sculpture's long-term stability or alter its original form. Additionally, cleaning processes risk removing original surface details or valuable provenance markers.

Perhaps most significantly, there's the ethical risk of over-restoration. Conservators must balance preservation with authenticity, as excessive intervention can diminish an artifact's historical value. Each restoration decision requires careful consideration of the object's cultural significance and future preservation needs.

Professional conservators mitigate these risks through specialized training, meticulous documentation, and reversible techniques. They prioritize minimal intervention while ensuring the sculpture's preservation for future generations to appreciate.