Hanukkah lamp. Russia or Ukraine, [first half of the 19th century].
Silver (marked, "12" and "BD" in Cyrillic letters), cast, repoussé and engraved; parcel-gilt.
Heavy Hanukkah lamp in an impressive architectonic design.
The back plate is covered in decorations in vegetal patterns. In its center is a small shield held by a pair of griffons – winged eagle-lions. Engraved on the shield is the Hebrew inscription "Blessed art Thou, Lord, to kindle the Chanukah light, Amen", surmounted by an eagle. On the plate's edges, left and right, appear graceful decorations in vegetal patterns, with flowers and grape clusters.
Positioned on a balcony before the back plate are four Corinthian columns. In front of them, on both sides, are a pair of oil containers (with lids), and on the edge is the Shamash (removable)
Above the plate is an additional balcony supported by the four columns and surmounted by a pair of large griffons holding, with their front paws, a round plaque decorated with leaves and flowers and surmounted by a large crown.
Attached to the front part of the lower balcony is a third balcony. Its façade is decorated with vegetal patterns and it is surmounted by eight lions serving as oil fonts. This balcony stands on two bird legs, with claws holding knobs.
Length: 36 cm. Width: 28 cm. Depth: 16 cm.
Compare: Catalogue of the Permanent and Loan Collections of the Jewish Museum, London, R. D. Barnett. London, 1974, item 235, plate LXXXVI.
Provenance: Sotheby's, Tel Aviv, sale no. LN4201, April 1994, lot no. 145 (photographed; appears on the front cover of the catalogue).