Memorial lamp to be hung in a synagogue, created by Demarquet Frères. [Paris, France, 1868-1890], dedicatory inscription, probably Morocco, [early 20th century].
Cast silver, repoussé, stamped and engraved (marked with French fineness mark, in use from 1838, and maker’s mark).
Exceptionally large, splendid memorial lamp, adorned with rich vegetal patterns. Three large decorative suspension fixtures are attached with screws to the sides of the body (no suspension chain). A bud-shaped ornament with a large silver ring protrudes from the bottom.
An inscription (in Hebrew; probably added later, during the early 20th century) is engraved on the lower surface of the lamp, dedicating it to Rachel, wife of Moshe Ben Jo. The name Ben Jo (Benjo) is a common Jewish surname in Morocco, and rabbis of this family served as members of the rabbinate of Tangiers in northern Morocco.
The Hebrew title "ha-pakid ha-ne’eman" appearing in the dedication (lit. "the loyal official") also appears often in dedicatory inscriptions representing the Jewish community of Morocco, where the "gabai" (synagogue manager) of a congregation was referred to as a "pakid"; in the prayer "Mi SheBerach" recited on Sabbaths and holidays, such an individual is specifically referred to as "hapakid hane’eman".
Demarquet Frères produce operated in Paris in the second half of the 19th century, and was particularly well-known for creating silver church vessels. The firm was also noted for having made a number of objects of Judaica, including a pair of Torah finials and a Torah pointer (see: Sotheby’s, December 2022, Lot Nos. 47, 207).
Height: 52 cm. Maximal width: 32 cm. Overall good condition. Slight warping. Several open fractures to upper ornaments. Small holes to medial area, adjacent to rim. (Glass?) candle-lighting cup missing.
