What is a lithophane?
A lithophane is a photograph carved into solid white resin. Where your photo is dark, the carving is thick and holds back the light. Where it is bright, the carving is thin enough for light to pass through. Lit from within, your photo appears, drawn in light.
The art form dates to the 1820s, when European porcelain artists carved scenes that only revealed themselves by candlelight. We make ours the same way in spirit, with modern precision carving and a warm light built in.
1
Carved from your photo
We translate your photo's light and shadow into thickness. Every shadow becomes deeper carving. It is your exact photo, in relief.
2
Quiet by day
With the light off it is a quiet sculpted object. You can just make out the carving, like a faint engraving.
3
Alive by night
Switch it on and it glows from within. The thin places shine, the deep places hold shadow, and your photo appears.
Carved in solid white resin
Every piece is carved from a premium white resin, chosen because it holds fine detail and glows evenly when lit. The resin is solid white, and where your photo is bright we carve it thin enough for light to shine through. It is smooth to the touch with a soft matte finish, carved with fine precision and finished by hand. In daylight it reads as sculpture. Lit, it glows warm from within.
Questions, answered
- What photos work best?
- Clear, well lit photos with good contrast. Faces, pets, and strong light and shadow carve beautifully. The preview shows you exactly how yours will read before you order.
- What is it made of?
- A premium white resin, carved from your photo and finished by hand, with a warm light built in. The resin is solid white, and light shines through wherever the carving is thin.
- How long until it ships?
- Each piece is made to order and hand finished in 3-5 business days, then shipped at the speed you choose.
- Can I use photos of people?
- Yes. Photos of the people you love, shared with their blessing, are what these are made for.
- What if something is wrong when it arrives?
- If it arrives damaged or the image does not read clearly, we will remake it free.