Auction 35 Rare and Important Judaica
Jan 29, 2014 (your local time)
Israel
 8 Ramban St, Jerusalem.
The auction has ended

LOT 48:

Magnificent Hanukkah Lamp – Eastern Europe, 19th Century – Unique Architectural Model

Sold for: $
Start price:
$ 15,000
Auction house commission: 23%
VAT: 17% On commission only
tags:

Magnificent Hanukkah Lamp – Eastern Europe, 19th Century – Unique Architectural Model
Silver Hanukkah lamp. [Eastern Europe. Poland?], 19th century. Unique model evidently made by private order of a wealthy Jew.
Silver (unmarked), various techniques. Impressive artistic silversmith work.
Especially wide back panel, designed as an architectural model of the front of a fancy structure with a gate and arched windows. Possibly, made inspired by a known building (such as a synagogue or Beit Midrash).
At the center of the wall is a wide opening, flanked on both sides by four windows with doors and blinds which can be opened and closed. Pillars screwed unto the wall constitute a division between the doors and the windows, the two middle pillars are rounded and designed with leaf and floral patterns; the right pillar has place for the Shamash (missing). The openings (the gate and the windows) are cut from the back panel, and upon them are screwed decorated frames. At the top of each adorned frame stands an eagle. The top of the panel is bordered by a floral strip and a grated fence. At the front appears an oval tray. In its center stand cup-like oil fonts.
Clearly, much thought was invested in every detail of this Hanukkah lamp. Even its back is carefully designed and handsomely adorned [possibly, the artist's thought was that this way, since a Hanukkah lamp is usually placed by a window facing the street, the members of the household who see its back can enjoy its beauty as well]. The second side of the back-panel is covered entirely with attractive engravings, like a carpet of flowers and leaves. Even the ends of the screws are covered with nuts designed like flowers and incorporated in the floral carpet. The panel is supported in the back all along its width by two gilded reinforcement strips.
Height: 22 cm. Width: 48 cm. Good condition. Several missing nuts. Lacking Shamash (serving light).