Creating porcelain sculptures with intricate undercuts or hollow spaces is a test of both artistic vision and technical mastery. The delicate nature of porcelain presents unique challenges at every stage of the process.

Material fragility poses the first major hurdle. Porcelain's low plasticity makes it prone to cracking when forming thin sections or delicate protrusions. Artists must work quickly yet precisely before the clay loses its workable moisture content.

Structural integrity becomes critical when designing hollow spaces. Each cavity must be carefully planned to distribute weight evenly and prevent collapse during drying or firing. Many sculptors use internal clay supports that are later removed, requiring meticulous planning of access points.

The drying phase is particularly treacherous. Uneven shrinkage can warp thin elements or cause hidden stresses in undercut areas. Some artists employ controlled drying chambers or layer-by-layer drying techniques to mitigate these risks.

Firing introduces another set of challenges. The high temperatures (typically 1200-1400°C) can exaggerate any weaknesses in the design. Thermal shock may cause hidden cracks to propagate, especially where thick and thin sections meet. Many pieces require special kiln furniture or firing schedules to support delicate areas.

Despite these challenges, the results can be breathtaking. The translucent quality of thin porcelain and the visual tension created by seemingly impossible negative spaces make these sculptures highly prized. Mastering these techniques requires years of practice, but the ability to make porcelain appear to defy its inherent limitations is what separates ordinary ceramic work from true sculptural artistry.