The porcelain sculpture market is a treasure trove for collectors, but it’s also rife with forgeries. Understanding common forgery techniques can help buyers avoid costly mistakes.

1. Age Faking: Fraudsters artificially age sculptures using chemicals like acid or tea staining to mimic patina. Some even bury pieces to create false weathering.

2. Mold Replication: Original molds are sometimes reused or recast to produce near-identical copies. These lack the subtle imperfections of handcrafted antiques.

3. Signature Forgery: Fake artist signatures or hallmarks are added to generic pieces to inflate value. Experts compare strokes and ink aging to detect fraud.

4. Material Substitution: Low-quality clay or modern glazes are disguised to resemble rare materials like imperial kiln porcelain. Scientific testing often reveals inconsistencies.

5. Restoration Deception: Broken sculptures are repaired and sold as pristine originals. UV light can expose hidden glue or repainting.

To avoid scams, buyers should consult certified appraisers, use magnification tools, and request provenance documentation. Awareness of these techniques is the first step toward safeguarding investments in the porcelain sculpture market.