lithophany (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/lɪˈθɒfəni/

Meaning and Usage

Lithophany refers to a translucent artwork created from thin porcelain, which, when illuminated from behind, produces a detailed picture or pattern. The term derives from the combination of the Greek words lithos (meaning stone) and phanía (meaning appearance or showing). Lithophanies are often appreciated for their artistic and aesthetic qualities and are commonly used in decorative arts.

In English usage, lithophany is not a frequently encountered term in everyday conversation. It is primarily utilized in the context of art, ceramics, and decorative objects, making it more common in written contexts, such as art history and museum documentation, as opposed to oral speech.

Example Sentences

1. The museum displayed a beautiful lithophany that depicted a serene landscape illuminated by soft light.

2. Музей выставил красивую литофанию, изображающую спокойный пейзаж, освещенный мягким светом.

3. Collectors of fine art often seek out rare lithophanies to enhance their collections.

4. Коллекционеры изобразительного искусства часто ищут редкие литофании, чтобы дополнить свои коллекции.

5. A skilled artisan can create a stunning lithophany that captures the essence of the scene being depicted.

6. Искусный ремесленник может создать потрясающую литофанию, которая передает суть изображаемой сцены.

Idiomatic Expressions

While lithophany itself is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions, the concept of translucence and revealing layers can be metaphorically related to certain expressions. Here are some idiomatic expressions that might evoke the essence of lithophany in a broader artistic or metaphorical sense:

1. "To shed light on" - This expression means to clarify or make something understandable.
2. The artist's explanation helped to shed light on the meaning of her lithophany.

3. Объяснение художника помогло «просветить» значение её литофании.

4. "A picture is worth a thousand words" - This saying emphasizes the idea that visual images can convey complex ideas and emotions more effectively than verbal descriptions.

5. Each lithophany tells a story, proving that a picture is worth a thousand words.

6. Каждая литофания рассказывает историю, подтверждая, что «картина стоит тысячи слов».

7. "Behind the scenes" - This phrase refers to actions or events that are not visible to the public, akin to the hidden beauty behind a lithophany.

8. Much of the work that goes into creating a lithophany happens behind the scenes.
9. Большая часть работы по созданию литофании происходит «за кулисами».

Etymology

The term lithophany is derived from the Greek words lithos (λίθος), meaning "stone," and phanía (φαίνω), meaning "to show" or "to appear." The combination of these words reflects the nature of the art form, which employs the material properties of porcelain to reveal images when backlit, resembling the way light interacts with stone.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms - Porcelain art - Translucent sculpture

Antonyms - Opaqueness - Obscurity