This Large Silver Hanukkah Lamp, crafted in Austria in 1863, is a stunning example of mid-19th-century Judaica, combining religious significance with masterful artistry. This piece showcases ornate design elements characteristic of Austrian craftsmanship of the time, such as intricate floral patterns, repoussé silverwork, and chased detailing.
The Hanukkah lamp is bench-formed and harmoniously festooned with chased flower arrangements and C-scrolls along the armrest and the backplate. The body of the lamp is set on a raised flower-decorated base held up by four elaborately chased floral and shell-scrolled legs.
The rest of this Hannukah lamp is expertly made, yet was added at a later point in time. Eight individual oil jugs with stylish auriform handles and wick spouts are applied on a rectangular removable platform with a curved scrolled handle. Each oil receptacle is ornately chased with floral motifs and set on a similarly designed platform and four foliate legs.
Mounted atop the original backplate is a protuberant gadroon crown with hanging bells flanked by two detailed rampant lions. A floral adorned monde is surmounted by a glorious crowned double-headed eagle clutching a sword and a tulip stem in each of its outstretched claws.
The overall design reflects both the spiritual purpose of the lamp, used during the celebration of Hanukkah, and the elegance of 19th-century European silverwork, making it not only a religious artifact but also a masterful work of art.
In summary: The back wall plate (the base, sides & wall up to the lions) is original & the rest were all masterfully blended in later.
An identical Menorah was gifted to the Holy Rebbe Chaim Halberstam the Divrei Chaim of Sanz.
Austrian silver hallmarks at the top side of the lower backplate and to the back of the base.
Height, 36 cm x Width, 31 cm x Depth, 11.5 cm.
47.44 Oz.
Very Good Condition.
Share this lot:
Lot #270