Synagogue lamp. [Iraq, early 20th century].
Silver, cast, bent, cut, and engraved (unmarked).
Synagogue lamp consisting of three main components:
1. An upper suspension device in the shape of an inverted dome, with an undulating rim, from which pendants in two alternating forms are suspended. The device is surmounted by a suspension hook. Suspended underneath it is an egg-shaped weight at the end of a chain.
2. A band consisting of a silver strip bent into twelve rectangular faces, upon which the following (Hebrew) inscription is engraved: "Ben Porat Yossef Ben Porat Alei Ayin [Bereshit 49:22]: May [joyous] celebrations proliferate among Israel in Jerusalem". The lower edge of the band is cut in an undulating pattern. From this edge, pendants in two alternating forms are suspended. Positioned on the interior of the band are nine removable tendril-shaped arms. At their tips are small, deep round bowls for oil or for lighting cups. Each bowl has a low cylindrical screw thread at its bottom. The band has three protuberances that serve as suspension devices for the bottom ornament and for three chains connected to the upper suspension device.
3. Bottom ornament with three tendril-shaped branches, connected to the central band. Another egg-shaped weight is suspended from the bottom end.
Height: 85 cm. Width of central band: 20-21 cm. Maximal width (incl. arms and branches): 60 cm. Weight: 2375 g. Overall good condition. Minor warping. Attachments of chains to upper suspension device not original. Several pendants missing from central band.
