Auction houses employ a meticulous multi-step process to verify the authenticity of high-value porcelain sculptures before they go on sale. First, specialists conduct a visual examination, scrutinizing details like glaze consistency, brushwork, and markings to identify hallmarks of the artist or period. Advanced scientific tools such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and thermoluminescence testing are often used to analyze materials and determine age without damaging the piece.

Provenance research plays a critical role, with experts tracing ownership history through documentation, exhibition records, and previous auction catalogs. Many houses consult external databases of stolen or forged artworks and collaborate with recognized scholars for additional verification. For particularly valuable pieces, a committee of experts may convene to reach a consensus.

Some auction houses now incorporate digital authentication methods, including 3D imaging to compare works against known authentic pieces. The entire process combines traditional connoisseurship with cutting-edge technology to protect both buyers and the integrity of the art market. This rigorous approach helps maintain confidence in high-value transactions, where authenticity can mean differences of millions in valuation.