Lithophane Night Light - Nantucket Brant Point Lighthouse

The Brant Point Lighthouse sits on the edge of Nantucket Harbor, prominently on display to all who visit the island. Now its warm and cheerful light can illuminate your home as well! This nightlight was designed by and is exclusively sold by Craftmasters of Nantucket. On/Off Toggle Switch Night light comes securely boxed. 5.5"H x 3.5" W x 2.25" D This is a "lithophane"; a thin translucent porcelain night light, made using a lost art from the 1800's. They make for a beautiful and practical piece of art that you will use daily,  year after year!  Lithophanes were invented in France in 1827, and were popular throughout Europe till the early 1900's. When lit from behind, the light shining through the different thicknesses of the carving causes a highly detailed image to appear in front, almost magically. As you see, the illuminated image is so detailed, that it has a totally photographic quality to it! In addition, the relief of the carving gives the image a 3 dimensional quality when seen in person. To make them, the artists start by carving the image in a translucent wax, with the wax lit from behind. They take a plaster mold of this engraving, and then cast a fine porcelain clay into this mold. The porcelain is kiln fired to 2300 degrees F. to achieve it's translucency and durability.