Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
The Blair Museum of Lithophanes, located at Schedel Arboretum & Gardens in Elmore, debuted a new exhibit – “Flora & Fauna of Europe in the Early 1800s” when the gardens opened for the season.
The collection explores the intimate relationship among the landscape, the natural world and the everyday lives of people during this fascinating period of history.
The exhibit features a selection of lithophanes that depict quiet, often overlooked moments from early 19th-century European life. From farmers tending to their fields to travelers crossing rivers, the scenes captured in the porcelain plaques offer a glimpse into the mundane activities that shaped the daily routines of people long ago. Through these intricate images, the exhibit also highlights the integral role that nature and the surrounding environment played in these individuals’ lives—emphasizing the symbiotic connection between humans and the land they inhabited.
What is a lithophane?
A lithophane is a unique art form that is cast into porcelain, which, when illuminated from behind, brings the image to life. The term “lithophane” comes from the Greek words “litho,” meaning stone, and “phane,” meaning to appear—so, in essence, a lithophane is an image that “appears in stone.”
To create a lithophane, artisans first carve an image into wax, then make a plaster mold from the wax carving. This mold allows the artisan to replicate the design in porcelain. Once the porcelain is shaped, it is fired in a kiln, resulting in a delicate, translucent image.
The allure of the lithophane occurs when light is shone through the porcelain, causing the image to reveal its fine details and tell its story in a way that is both haunting and beautiful.
About the museum
The Blair Museum of Lithophanes, is home to the largest collection of lithophanes in the world. With nearly 3,000 pieces in its collection, the museum is the only institution dedicated entirely to this art form. This vast collection allows for dynamic, ever-evolving exhibits, and this year’s showcase of “Flora & Fauna of Europe in the Early 1800s” provides a fresh perspective on lithophane art.
The museum’s rotating exhibits offer an opportunity to explore a wide range of historical, natural and artistic themes—each illuminated by light. Visitors are invited to discover the intricacies of this ancient art form while experiencing the rich stories and moments captured within the porcelain.
Schedel Arboretum & Gardens is located at 19255 W. Portage River South Rd. The museum is open April through October.
For more information on visiting hours, admission or to learn more about the museum’s collection, visit schedel-gardens.org.
