Two marble onyx Sabbath lamps (mesrejeh). Yemen, [19th century?].

Marble onyx, chiseled.

Two oil lamps shaped like round dishes with elevated, serrated rims and a knob at the center (the knob is meant for a metal ring, for carrying and suspension).

The marble onyx lamps, being somewhat translucent, diffuses a soft and dim light. When suspended from the ceiling, the stone looks as if lit from inside. This type of lamp was used also at various ceremonies, such as the henna-evening and the evening before circumcision.

Diameter: 20 cm; 19 cm. Fair-good condition. Some loss. Stains and much dirt from use. Missing metal rings.

Reference: Ester Muchawsky-Schnapper, "Oil Sabbath-lamps and Hanukah-lamps of stone from the Yemen", Journal of Jewish Art, vol. 9, 1982, pp. 76-83.

PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.