Can a hole be drilled into a ceramic figure without shattering it?

Yes, The best way is to a diamond core bit and a drill press, mount the figurine on the drill press firmly but very carefully, the object is to keep the figurine from moving, so use padding. Once mounted, slowly lower the bit until you touch the part "LIGHTLY", very lightly, apply a lubricant, water is fine, the water will rinse the particles away, continue to apply light pressure with continued drops of water, (TIP: if water has a paste texture add more water, it should be watery at all times) the object is to cut through, not punch through and chip the figurine, so be patience and proceed slowly, once through you can radius the edge with fine emory cloth, 320 grit will do.

Another tip: you can make a dam with clay to in-circle the hole your going to make and fill with water, and speeds for the drill bit should be: 1/2" 800rpm, 1" 500rpm, 2" 350rpm, an excellent site that will answer all your questions is <www.diamond-drill-bit-andtool.com>.

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