Creating hollow porcelain sculptures is a delicate art that requires precision and expertise to prevent collapse during firing. Artists achieve this through several key techniques. First, they carefully select and prepare the clay, often mixing it with materials like grog or sand to improve structural integrity. The clay must have even thickness throughout the sculpture to ensure uniform drying and firing.

Before firing, artists create small ventilation holes in hidden areas to allow air and moisture to escape, preventing pressure buildup. They also design internal supports or use removable clay props to maintain the sculpture's shape during the early stages of firing. The kiln temperature is gradually increased in controlled stages, allowing the clay to strengthen before reaching its final vitrification point.

Master ceramicists often employ a technique called "slip casting" for complex hollow forms, pouring liquid clay into plaster molds. For hand-built pieces, they may construct the sculpture in sections that are later joined. The final secret lies in understanding the precise shrinkage rates of their specific clay body and accounting for this in the original design. Through these methods, artists create breathtaking hollow porcelain works that withstand the intense heat of the kiln while maintaining their delicate beauty.