Porcelain sculptures are admired for their intricate beauty but require careful reinforcement due to their fragility. The most common structural support methods include:

1. Internal Armatures: Thin metal wires or rods are embedded during creation to reinforce slender elements like limbs or delicate protrusions.

2. Adhesive Reinforcements: High-strength, transparent epoxy or specialized ceramic adhesives bond cracks while maintaining aesthetics.

3. Backing Plates: Flat porcelain or reinforced clay bases stabilize top-heavy sculptures, distributing weight evenly.

4. Fillers for Hollow Forms: Lightweight expanding foams or silicone inserts prevent collapse in thin-walled sections.

5. Surface Consolidants: Nano-particle coatings applied to vulnerable areas add microscopic reinforcement without altering appearance.

For antique pieces, reversible methods like starch-based temporary supports are preferred by conservators. Modern artists increasingly incorporate carbon fiber strands or 3D-printed lattice structures during fabrication. The choice depends on the sculpture's age, stress points, and desired visual outcome, with the golden rule being minimal intervention for maximum stability.