The backplate features a relief that is magnificently chased that displays Yehuda the Maccabee holding a jar of pure olive oil with other members of his tribe rigorously cleaning the utensils of the holy temple after the Greeks had defiled them. Center relief is framed by two part-fluted Solomonic pillars, surrounded by a beaded pattern, and three domes shaped at the top edges. Prominently written on the lower part of the backplate in Hebrew is a biblical verse from the book of Maccabees accounting for the above scene; " And They (the maccabees) Hallowed the Courtyard and All (the utensils) that ere Within It".
The rectangular boxed base rests on four bell feet and is designed with quatrefoil designs at front. Eight circular oil containers are appplied to the base with removable wick spout covers. A detachable servant lamp is fitted into a holder at the upper part of the backplate.
This menorah has a feature which is only found among the early Bezalel made Judaica. The backplate is backed by a separate plate covering the design techniques that were used to decorate the backplate.
Signed "Bezalel Jerusalem" on the lower front of backplate.
20cm Width x 6.8cm Depth x 20cm Height
Good condition
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