
Porcelain sculptures, whether antique or modern, are delicate artworks that often require restoration due to damage or aging. The most common techniques include:
1. Cleaning: Gentle removal of dirt, grime, or old adhesives using specialized solvents or ultrasonic tools to avoid surface damage.
2. Bonding: Reattaching broken fragments with high-quality adhesives like epoxy or acrylic resins, ensuring precise alignment for seamless repair.
3. Filling Gaps: Using fillers such as plaster or porcelain-compatible compounds to reconstruct missing sections, followed by careful sculpting to match the original design.
4. Retouching: Applying pigments or glazes to restored areas to blend with the original coloring, often requiring skilled hand-painting techniques.
5. Stabilization: Reinforcing weakened structures with internal supports or consolidants to prevent further deterioration.
Each method demands expertise to maintain the sculpture’s authenticity and value. Professional conservators assess the piece’s condition before choosing the best approach, prioritizing minimal intervention and reversibility. Proper restoration not only revives the artwork but also preserves its historical and artistic significance for future generations.