Optical toy - 1800-1850 - Germany - Lithophanie

Lithophane from the mid-nineteenth century, size 12 x 10cm in rectangular shape. This one is of a well-known lithograph of the 19th century. (3rd picture). Lithophanes became especially popular in the mid-nineteenth century, made by companies such as Wedgwood in England, Meissen in Dresden and P.P.M. in Prussia. A lithophanie is a thin ceramic plate with a relief, varying in thickness from 1.5 to 4 mm. The porcelain is fired twice at a temperature of 1250 degrees C. In regular lighting there is hardly any image to see, but a three-dimensional image is created when a light is placed behind. They were often placed in metal holders with a candle behind them and used as a bedside lamp or hung in front of a window. Subject: Boy and girl playing photographer. Plate signed 1112, probably Germany.