Creating porcelain sculptures with undercuts is a delicate and technically demanding process that presents several significant challenges. One of the primary difficulties is maintaining structural integrity. Undercuts—areas where the design curves inward or extends beyond the base—create weak points prone to cracking or collapsing during drying or firing. The fragility of porcelain clay exacerbates this issue, requiring meticulous support structures or strategic division of the sculpture into multiple pieces.

Another challenge is achieving uniform drying. Undercuts often dry at different rates than the rest of the sculpture, leading to warping or fractures. Artists must carefully control humidity and airflow to prevent uneven shrinkage. Additionally, the firing process introduces risks, as undercuts can trap air or moisture, causing explosions in the kiln. Precise temperature control and slow firing cycles are essential to mitigate this danger.

Finally, undercuts complicate mold-making for reproduction. Traditional slip-casting molds struggle to capture intricate undercuts without damaging the original sculpture or the mold itself. Many artists resort to custom multi-part molds or hand-sculpting each piece, increasing time and cost. Despite these challenges, mastering undercuts allows for breathtakingly dynamic porcelain art, pushing the boundaries of ceramic creativity.