Firing porcelain sculptures requires specialized kiln furniture to ensure even heat distribution, prevent warping, and protect delicate pieces during the high-temperature process. The most common types of kiln furniture include:

1. Kiln Shelves: Made from high-alumina or cordierite, these flat platforms provide a stable base for sculptures, allowing heat to circulate evenly.

2. Posts and Pillars: These vertical supports elevate shelves to create multiple firing layers, optimizing kiln space and improving airflow.

3. Stilts and Setters: Small supports with prongs or points, often used to prevent glazed pieces from sticking to shelves while allowing heat exposure.

4. Saggars: Protective containers made of refractory clay, shielding sculptures from direct flame or ash in wood or gas kilns.

5. Bats and Plates: Removable discs or slabs that simplify loading and unloading fragile pieces without disturbing their position.

Choosing the right kiln furniture depends on factors like firing temperature, sculpture size, and kiln type. Proper arrangement ensures consistent results and minimizes damage, making these tools indispensable for ceramic artists.