Creating porcelain sculptures with intricate undercuts is a demanding art form that tests even the most skilled ceramic artists. One of the primary challenges is the fragility of porcelain clay, which becomes prone to cracking or collapsing when sculpting delicate, overhanging sections. The material's low plasticity compared to other clays makes it difficult to maintain structural integrity during shaping.

Firing presents another major hurdle. As porcelain shrinks significantly (up to 15%) during kiln firing, carefully designed undercuts can warp or break entirely due to uneven stress distribution. Artists must account for this shrinkage in their original designs, often requiring multiple test firings.

The drying process also poses risks. Undercuts create varying thicknesses that dry at different rates, leading to potential cracks. Many artists use controlled drying chambers or work in high-humidity environments to mitigate this issue.

Technical solutions include using temporary clay supports during construction, employing specialized tools for delicate carving, and sometimes incorporating hidden structural reinforcements. Mastering these techniques requires years of experience, making such sculptures among the most challenging and valuable in ceramic art.