Porcelain ears need to be simplified down to the most basic shape to be released from the mold, and then details carved back in after de-molding or after the soft firing.

In this stage, porcelain is as fragile as an eggshell, and can’t tolerate any pressure or force.

Carving of details has to be done with the softest feather touch and the sharpest of tools. Or everything breaks into pieces.

But when everything goes right, the beauty and permanence of high-fired porcelain is simply incomparable.

Next step is china-painting.