Photoceramics is the term used to describe the process by which photographs have been burned onto ceramics such as porcelain, glass, enamel and metal. The first experiments were carried out in France by Lafon de Camarsac (1821-1905) starting in 1851. In 1854, he developed the fixation of photographic images on metallic and ceramic materials. Photoceramics itself is based on the chromate dusting process patented by F. Joubert in 1855.

The process is based on photographic negatives on dry plates. A positive is produced on a collodion wet plate. This collodion layer must be peeled off when wet. To do this, the edges are lifted with a knife and the thin and delicate collodion skin is rolled onto a glass rod. This skin is unrolled over a bowl of water and rinsed several times.

The thin silver-plated collodion skin is exposed to gold or platinum chloride. Platinum and gold precipitate and silver chloride goes into solution. The image thus becomes richer in contrast. The silver chloride is rinsed out and removed with sodium bicarbonate.

The collodion skin is now placed on the ceramic with the image facing downwards and pressed on neatly. Covered with flux and can then be fired.

Photoceramics were very popular between 1850 and 1900. The wealthy society had many things that were dear to them transferred onto plates, cups, jugs or even pipe bowls. Typical motifs were the lords and ladies of the house, children, but also houses, exotic plants or pets.