Museums employ a meticulous multi-step process to authenticate the provenance of rare porcelain sculptures, ensuring their historical and artistic legitimacy. The authentication begins with a thorough visual examination by ceramic experts who analyze glaze consistency, brushwork techniques, and kiln marks that reveal the piece's era and origin. Advanced scientific methods such as thermoluminescence dating and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy provide objective data on the material composition and age.

Provenance research plays a critical role, with curators tracing ownership history through auction records, collector archives, and historical documents. Museums often collaborate with international databases to cross-reference markings and signatures. Comparative analysis with verified pieces from the same period or artist helps establish authenticity.

Contemporary authentication also considers the sculpture's patina and wear patterns, which must align with its alleged age. Some institutions use 3D imaging to compare minute details with known authentic works. The final determination typically requires consensus among a panel of specialists, combining technical evidence with art historical knowledge to protect against sophisticated forgeries in the valuable antique porcelain market.