The illusion of transparency in porcelain sculptures is a mesmerizing artistic feat, achieved through a combination of meticulous craftsmanship and scientific precision. Artists begin by crafting exceptionally thin-walled forms, often less than 1mm thick in key areas, using refined kaolin clay that fires to a pure white translucency. The secret lies in the clay's mineral composition and the precise firing process at 1300-1400°C, which vitrifies the material just enough to allow light penetration while maintaining structural integrity.

Master ceramicists employ specialized glazing techniques, sometimes applying multiple translucent glaze layers that interact with light differently. Some create "windows" of transparency by leaving certain sections unglazed, while others use graduated glazing to produce ethereal gradient effects. The thickness variation across the sculpture's surface becomes a calculated light filter, with thinner areas appearing more luminous.

Contemporary artists often incorporate optical tricks, such as internal hollow spaces that catch and scatter light, or surface textures that diffuse illumination. Some even embed glass elements or use special crystalline glazes that refract light. The final magical effect depends on the interplay between the sculpture's form, the artist's technical choices, and the lighting environment where the piece is displayed.