noun
- a translucent picture or design carved in thin stone, porcelain, or other material that shows varying degrees of light and shadow when held up to light
Usage: art; decorative arts
Examples
- The antique lithophane depicted a romantic scene when backlit by candlelight.
- Victorian lithophanes were popular decorative items often used in lamp shades.
- She held the porcelain lithophane up to the window to see the detailed image emerge.
- The museum’s collection includes several 19th-century lithophanes made from thin marble.
- Craftsmen created lithophanes by carefully carving varying thicknesses to control light transmission.
- Modern lithophanes can be made using 3D printing technology with translucent materials.