![Suspended memorial lamp for synagogue. [Baghdad, Iraq, second half of 19th century].
Silver, cast, pierced, and engraved](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale105/269_1.jpg "Silver Memorial Lamp from Baghdad’s Midrash Bet Zilkha Synagogue, Iraq")
![Suspended memorial lamp for synagogue. [Baghdad, Iraq, second half of 19th century].
Silver, cast, pierced, and engraved](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale105/269_2.jpg "Silver Memorial Lamp from Baghdad’s Midrash Bet Zilkha Synagogue, Iraq")
![Suspended memorial lamp for synagogue. [Baghdad, Iraq, second half of 19th century].
Silver, cast, pierced, and engraved](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale105/269_3.jpg "Silver Memorial Lamp from Baghdad’s Midrash Bet Zilkha Synagogue, Iraq")
Auction 105 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Esther Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art
Silver Memorial Lamp from Baghdad’s Midrash Bet Zilkha Synagogue, Iraq – 19th Century – Ades Family
Opening: $400
Sold for: $8,125
Including buyer's premium
Suspended memorial lamp for synagogue. [Baghdad, Iraq, second half of 19th century].
Silver, cast, pierced, and engraved (unmarked).
Memorial lamp consisting of three principal parts:
1. At the top, a dome-shaped cap, surmounted by a round suspension hook, and with ornamental pendants suspended from its perimeter.
2. A central component in the form of a flattened sphere, with a dome-like top and a conical ornament on the bottom. This part is encircled by a silver hoop; to this, three large hooks are attached, anchoring lengthy chains that connect the central and upper components. Also attached to the hoop, by means of ornamental tendril-like branches, are nine candle sockets positioned in the centers of shallow bowls with undulating perimeters.
3. A cone-like weight, suspended from the end of a chain.
A dedicatory inscription is engraved onto the central component, dedicating the lamp "…to the ascent of the soul of Rachel daughter of Regina Ades, passed away in the year 5634 [1873-1874], to the Synagogue of Bet Zilkha" (the memorial lamp may well have been donated to the synagogue later than 1874).
Midrash Bet Zilkha Synagogue, named after the wealthy patron Ezra Zilkha, was functional from the mid-19th through mid-20th century and was widely regarded as Baghdad’s main Jewish house of worship.
Height: Approx. 80 cm. Maximal width: 40 cm. Overall good condition. Ornament missing (broken off) from top of central component. Holes in candle sockets, supporting bowls, and weights, probably resulting from old wiring.
Synagogue Lamps
Synagogue Lamps