Porcelain sculptures captivate viewers through their delicate forms and intricate surfaces. A key technique artists employ to emphasize these forms is contrast in surface treatment. By juxtaposing smooth and textured areas, matte and glossy finishes, or light and dark glazes, sculptors create visual tension that directs the eye and enhances three-dimensionality.

Glaze variation is one of the most powerful tools. A glossy glaze applied to certain areas will catch light differently than matte sections, making contours appear more pronounced. Some artists intentionally leave parts unglazed to showcase the raw porcelain's purity against richly colored sections.

Texture plays an equally important role. Delicate carving or impasto techniques can make surfaces appear to recede or protrude. Contemporary ceramicists often combine traditional sgraffito (scratching through layers) with modern abrasion methods to create dramatic tonal shifts that follow the sculpture's curves.

The interplay of opacity and transparency in glazes further enhances form. A translucent glaze over modeled details creates depth, while opaque areas appear to advance. This chiaroscuro effect, borrowed from painting, gives porcelain sculptures remarkable vitality.

Master artists understand that contrast must serve the overall composition. Strategic placement of differing surfaces along a sculpture's most dynamic planes - where light naturally plays - maximizes the illusion of volume. This thoughtful application transforms porcelain from mere material into breathtaking art that seems to breathe with life.