Lithophanes

The process of making lithpohane plaques requires the artist to have great technical skill. A positive wax of the subject is carved into a thin sheet of wax mounted onto glass and illuminated from behind to allow the artist to judge the effect of the final product. Then a plaster of Paris mould is made of the wax positive and porcelain poured into the mould. This cast is fired at a temperature of 2100ºF. About twenty to thirty casts can be made from one mould if care is taken.

It seems that Belleek never designed their own lithophanes but produced them from masters from KPM or PPM of Germany. Belleek lithophanes are always in a sepia colour. some have impressed marks whilst others are not marked at all, which makes dating them very difficult, particularly as the Pottery made them on and off over several periods. They were last re-introduced in 1986.

LOVERS AT TABLE

FARM GIRL WITH GOAT