Lithophanes are etched or molded artwork made from very thin translucent porcelain. Usually the design can only be seen when the lithophane is held up to a source of light. These images differ from photographs and other two dimensional art in that they give a three dimensional effect when lit. Furthermore, the image changes with the color or angle of the light applied.
Lithophanes were probably created first in China and Japan, where porcelain has been made for so long. Once the secret of porcelain was discovered by the Europeans, lithophanes became a common product of some of the finest porcelain makers in Europe in the 1820′s. Lithophanes are still being made today, and by well known porcelain makers, including Lenox and Wedgwood.
The scenes portrayed in lithophanes are usually simple and emotionally appealing, including angels, short prayers and religious icons. There are also plenty of lithophanes portraying flowers or the animals we keep as pets. Some scenes are made, especially snow scenes, and there are even copies of famous artwork made as lithophanes.
See lithophanes for sale now.
The term lithophane comes from litho, the Greek word for “stone”, and phainein, the Greek for “to cause to appear suddenly”. This can describe the sudden exposure of a figure in the bottom of a cup or stein, as one finishes a drink. Often this is a head, but on occasion a full nude is exposed in this manner.
Lamps with lithophane panels formed into the lamp shade or nightlights are still in production today, with both time-honored images and with those derived from popular culture, like Amy Brown fairies. Although these small miracles are not commonly available, they are not hard to find online.
Go to the Table of Contents to see all the topics covered so far.
Read more about porcelain collectibles.
