Artists incorporate light-diffusing glazes into porcelain sculpture designs to create mesmerizing visual depth and ethereal luminosity. These specialized glazes, often formulated with fine silica or opacifiers, scatter light as it passes through the porcelain, producing a soft, radiant glow. The process typically involves applying multiple thin layers of glaze, each fired at precise temperatures to achieve optimal translucency.

Master ceramists carefully control glaze thickness—thinner applications allow more light penetration, while thicker layers create subtle gradients. Some artists layer complementary glaze colors, blending hues where light interacts with the overlapping coatings. Advanced techniques include:

1. Stippling or spraying glazes for controlled light diffusion patterns

2. Selective application to highlight sculptural contours

3. Combining matte and glossy finishes for dynamic light play

Contemporary artists like Jun Kaneko and Hitomi Hosono push boundaries by developing custom glaze formulas that interact uniquely with porcelain's natural whiteness. The result transforms static sculptures into luminous objects that change appearance with shifting light conditions, adding temporal dimension to the artwork.

Proper kiln firing remains crucial—most light-diffusing glazes require mid-range (1100°C-1250°C) firings to preserve porcelain's translucency while activating the glaze's optical properties. This delicate balance between material science and artistic vision continues to redefine porcelain's potential in contemporary ceramic art.