Lithophane

Lithophanes are made of fine sheets of translucent white porcelain with a decorative motif etched in negative, usually views of famous cities, landscapes, historical events, indoor family scenes or children subject matters. When lit from behind, these sheets show the scene in positive, creating a three-dimensional effect. / Germany and England were the first countries to mass-produce lithophane. This lithophane in particular was made at the Plauesche Porzellanmanufactur (Thuringia, Germany), as illustrates the mark ‘PPM’ stamped on the back. / Lithophanes were generally used as optical illusions, with a candleholder at the back, applied to objects such as veilleuses or teapots, or otherwise placed in the windows like stained glass.