Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Silver Hanging Lamp, for Synagogue – France, First Half of 19th Century
Opening: $800
Sold for: $4,000
Including buyer's premium
Hanging lamp ("Ner Tamid") for synagogue. France, ca. 1819-38.
Silver, cast, repoussé, and pierced (marked with French quality marks, in use 1819-1838; and with unidentified maker’s mark).
Hanging lamp consisting of three parts: an upper, dome-shaped cap-like hanging device, surmounted by a suspension ring; a large lid with pierced openings, through which the light is meant to shine; and a large, bowl-shaped base, serving as a lighting cup or candle holder, with a downward-tapering ornament on the bottom.
The large lid is adorned in vegetal patterns and is attached to the upper dome-shaped cap / hanging device by three long chains. The lid is fastened to the base by means of three long pins inserted into small dedicated holes. The lid is adorned with three ornaments depicting vessels or accoutrements associated with the Great Temple: the priestly miter, the seven-branched Menorah, and an incense burner; these ornaments may have been added later, in place of other, earlier openings. The base is adorned with rich vegetal patterns matching those on the lid.
Height: 90 cm. Maximal width: 13 cm. Overall good condition. Minor fractures and warping. Small hole to upper ornament of lid; may have originally been made for attachment of additional suspension ring, or may have once served for a different upper hanging device.
Synagogue Lamps
Synagogue Lamps