Creating a patina or aged appearance on porcelain sculptures is a popular technique among artists and collectors seeking to evoke a sense of history and authenticity. Here are the most common methods used to achieve this effect:

1. Chemical Patination: Artists often apply acidic solutions like vinegar or ferric chloride to porcelain surfaces. These chemicals react with the glaze, creating subtle discoloration and texture variations that mimic natural aging.

2. Layering Glazes: By applying multiple layers of translucent glazes in earthy tones (such as ochre, umber, or sepia), artists can build depth and simulate centuries of accumulated patina.

3. Dry Brushing: Using a nearly dry brush with diluted underglazes or acrylic paints, artists lightly highlight raised details, enhancing wear patterns and creating a weathered appearance.

4. Smoke Firing: Exposing porcelain to smoke during firing deposits carbon particles into cracks and crevices, producing an antique, timeworn effect.

5. Natural Aging Accelerators: Some artists bury sculptures in compost or expose them to outdoor elements for months, allowing nature to create organic patinas through oxidation and environmental staining.

Each method offers unique results, from subtle sophistication to dramatic antiquity. The choice depends on the desired aesthetic and the artist's preferred level of control over the aging process. Experimentation with combinations of these techniques often yields the most convincing faux-antique finishes.