Preserving the original intent of porcelain sculptures over time presents a unique set of challenges that span material science, artistic interpretation, and conservation ethics. The delicate nature of porcelain makes it particularly vulnerable to physical degradation, with cracks, chips, and glaze deterioration often obscuring the artist's initial vision. Environmental factors like humidity fluctuations and light exposure accelerate this process, subtly altering surface textures and colors that were integral to the sculpture's meaning.

Beyond material concerns, conservators face philosophical dilemmas when repairing damaged pieces. Each restoration intervention risks imposing modern aesthetic sensibilities on historical works, potentially distorting the creator's intent. The scarcity of original artist statements for older pieces compounds this issue, forcing conservators to make educated guesses about color matching and structural integrity.

Technological advancements in non-invasive analysis have helped, yet the irreversible nature of many aging processes means some aspects of the original artwork can never be fully recovered. Contemporary artists now often document their creative processes explicitly, creating a new challenge: balancing preservation of both physical object and digital documentation for future generations. These intersecting challenges highlight how porcelain sculpture conservation remains an evolving dialogue between past artistry and present preservation science.