Lithophanes

A lithophane is an engraving made in thin, translucent material. The carving detail is thin enough to permit varying amounts of light to shine through, thus providing a beautiful, back-lit image.

Lithophanes make lovely devotional images as well as tributes to family members and colleagues. The moon lithophane was produced from a photograph. Many of my other lithophanes are produced from 3D engraving models.

Do lithophanes fade?

It's not a silly question - I've been asked the question more than once. A lithophane is a three dimensional carved surface. The image is produced by placing a light source behind the material or by hanging it in a window. In the absence of a light source no picture is visible.

So no, lithophanes never fade.

Are lithophanes fragile?

Corian, the material from which I make my lithophanes, is very tough and used in commercial and industrial settings. I have had a window lithophane fall from the window to the floor without damage. I have also "experimented" with a larger lithophane and tossed it onto the concrete floor of my workshop. Other than chipping the edges slightly, it was not prone to shattering at all.

That's not to say that they are indestructable. I carve the lithophane to within three hundredths of an inch (0.762mm) of the back surface. Treat your lithophane like you do any picture and it will last for many years.

How bright are the lithophanes?

The brightness depends on how bright the day is, whether illuminated with direct sunlight or other light source and how thick the material is. In general, the lithophanes are brighter than shown in these photos.