Artists employ resist techniques to achieve breathtaking intricacy in porcelain sculptures, combining meticulous craftsmanship with chemical ingenuity. The process begins with applying a resist medium—such as wax, latex, or specially formulated slips—to shield specific areas of the ceramic surface from subsequent glaze applications. When the wax-resist method is used, artists hand-paint molten wax onto bisque-fired porcelain using fine brushes or tjanting tools, creating delicate negative-space designs. After drying, the piece undergoes glaze dipping, where the waxed areas repel the liquid glaze while uncovered sections absorb it.

More advanced variations include layered resists, where artists apply multiple resist mediums between firings to build dimensional patterns. Some contemporary ceramists innovate with synthetic resists or screen-printed wax transfers for precision. During the final kiln firing, the resist materials burn away completely, revealing crisp, unglazed porcelain contrasts against vibrant glazed sections. This technique allows for extraordinary detail—from hair-thin linework in blue-and-white wares to complex narrative scenes on sculptural forms. Master practitioners often combine resist methods with sgraffito or mishima techniques, scratching through resist layers to expose different colored clays beneath. The resist process demands exact timing and temperature control, as overheating can cause resist residues to fuse with the porcelain body. Modern artists continue pushing boundaries by incorporating digital resist stencils and experimenting with resist materials that create intentional textural variations when burned out, proving this ancient method remains vital in contemporary ceramic art.