Meet the lithopane, an art form that originated in China and was highly developed by artisans in early 19th Century Europe. It consists of delicate carving on a sheet of  porcelain, so that light passing through the varying thicknesses of the carving produces a detailed image. Early lithopanes were individually hand-carved; but artists subsequently began carving master molds from which several porcelain castings could be made. Throughout the 1800's lithopanes were made throughout Europe by many famous potteries, including Limoges in France and Wedgewood. Typically the panels were hung in windows where sunlight could illuminate them or fashioned into candle-lit lamps. In Germany, many beer steins were fashioned with lithopane bottoms, often displaying risqué  scenes that were revealed as the stein was emptied.

 Interest in these porcelain creations faded in the late nineteenth century, and the highly developed skills necessary to execute them died away with the last generation of master craftsmen to work in the medium. In 1982 Marty Kubicki & Liesa Smith revived this unique art form and founded the Porcelain Garden in Irvine California, where the delicate beauty of the lithopane has been reborn in a selection of carefully crafted lamps.

Looking for an accent lamp or gift idea that  "illuminates the past" & brings back to life a fascinating art form? Roomscapes is proud to introduce the Porcelain Garden Collection. We'll leave the light on for you.