
Framed Lithophane Porcelain Panel
This item is a vintage-style lithophane, which is a translucent porcelain artwork that appears as a classic gray-scale image when backlit. The image depicts a portrait of a smiling young woman with short hair, styled in a manner consistent with mid-20th-century trends (circa 1940s-1950s). Measurements appear to be approximately 5x7 or 8x10 inches. The piece is constructed from thin, unglazed biscuit porcelain (bisque) that varies in thickness to create gradients of light and shadow. The panel is mounted within an off-white mat and set in a dark, potentially black or deep mahogany, wooden frame with a high-gloss finish. The quality of the carving or casting is evident in the delicate highlights on the subject's face and hair. Notably, lithophanes of this nature were frequently produced by European manufacturers like KPM (Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur) or manufacturers in the Thuringia region of Germany. The condition of the porcelain appears excellent with no visible cracks or chips (known as 'flea bites'), though the frame shows some light dust and reflections on the glass. The piece relies on transmitted light to be fully appreciated, making its placement near a light source or window crucial for its aesthetic value.
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Estimated Value
$250 - $450
Basic Information
Category
Fine Art / Decorative Ceramics
Appraised On
February 11, 2026
Estimated Value
$250 - $450
Item Description
This item is a vintage-style lithophane, which is a translucent porcelain artwork that appears as a classic gray-scale image when backlit. The image depicts a portrait of a smiling young woman with short hair, styled in a manner consistent with mid-20th-century trends (circa 1940s-1950s). Measurements appear to be approximately 5x7 or 8x10 inches. The piece is constructed from thin, unglazed biscuit porcelain (bisque) that varies in thickness to create gradients of light and shadow. The panel is mounted within an off-white mat and set in a dark, potentially black or deep mahogany, wooden frame with a high-gloss finish. The quality of the carving or casting is evident in the delicate highlights on the subject's face and hair. Notably, lithophanes of this nature were frequently produced by European manufacturers like KPM (Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur) or manufacturers in the Thuringia region of Germany. The condition of the porcelain appears excellent with no visible cracks or chips (known as 'flea bites'), though the frame shows some light dust and reflections on the glass. The piece relies on transmitted light to be fully appreciated, making its placement near a light source or window crucial for its aesthetic value.
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