The Porcelain Garden

 

Lithophanes were conceived in 1827, when it was discovered that a remarkable three dimensional image could be produced by shining light through a carving of varied thicknesses in porcelain. These beautiful transparencies are achieved by first carving the image into beeswax. The translucency of the wax allows the artist to see the result of his labor as he works. A plaster casting is taken from this masterwork, then a fine porcelain paste is pressed into this mold. The panels are kiln fired to 2300 degrees F to achieve their extreme density and amazing translucency. Over half do not survive this process; a testimony to the difficulty of this technique. At The Porcelain Garden we are dedicated to the preservation and continuation of this most unusual art form. Our night lights use a standard seven-watt candelabra base bulb, available at any hardware store.