Creating porcelain sculptures with intricate openwork designs is a delicate art form that demands exceptional skill and patience. One of the most significant challenges is the fragility of porcelain itself. The thin, lace-like structures in openwork designs are prone to cracking or breaking during shaping, drying, or firing. Artists must carefully control the clay's moisture content to prevent warping while maintaining enough plasticity for detailed work.

Another major hurdle is achieving uniform thickness in delicate sections. Uneven walls can lead to structural weaknesses or uneven shrinkage during firing, causing distortions. The firing process itself presents risks—thermal shock may cause fractures, and high temperatures can melt or collapse finely detailed elements.

Precision in design transfer is also critical. Complex patterns require meticulous planning, as mistakes in cutting or piercing the clay are nearly impossible to correct. Additionally, the need for multiple firings (for glazing or gold accents) multiplies the chances of damage.

Mastering these challenges requires years of experience, with many artists developing unique tools and techniques to handle the material's finicky nature. The reward, however, is breathtaking sculptures that showcase porcelain's ethereal beauty through impossibly delicate lattices and patterns.