Dutch Hanukkah Lamp ,19th Century Menorah.

Dutch Hanukkah Lamp ,19th Century Menorah.
Dutch Hanukkah lamps (menorahs) from the 19th century are typically made of brass or bronze, often featuring pierced, repoussé, and chased decorations with floral or geometric motifs, reflecting the craftsmanship and aesthetic styles of Dutch Jewish communities.
Materials and Construction
19th-century Dutch menorahs were commonly crafted from brass or copper alloy with various metalworking techniques: pierced, repoussé, chased, and punched designs were used to decorate the backplates and oil wells
The Jewish Museum
Some examples incorporated cast bronze elements to provide structural stability or highlight decorative motifs, while others featured hand-hammered brass surfaces
The oil reservoirs, or lamps, were usually rectangular or oval and cast or attached to the backplate in a single piece, sometimes with a drip pan beneath to catch excess oil
Design Characteristics
These lamps often have a high arch backplate, sometimes in the form of a pointed arch, a convex central motif (such as a heart, flower, or menorah image), and surrounding decorative elements like leaves, circles, or convex balls
Floral patterns, geometrical shapes, and occasionally hidden Kabbalistic symbols were common, reflecting both artistic style and religious symbolism
Many Dutch menorahs feature eight oil wells for the nights of Hanukkah plus a shamash, often integrated directly into the backplate or a raised base
Some examples include side panels and hangers, allowing them to be publicly displayed in homes, as was customary during Hanukkah
Dimensions and Scale
Typical 19th-century Dutch Hanukkah lamps are medium to large in size.
Decorative motifs like lions, fleurs-de-lis, or Stars of David were often placed atop the arch or incorporated around the candle arms, underlining symbolic and aesthetic concerns
farkash-gallery.com
Historical Context and Use
These lamps reflect the traditions of Dutch Jewish communities, including those of Portuguese extraction. In the 19th century, Hanukkah lamps were both functional objects for lighting the Festival of Lights and decorative household items, often displayed prominently during the holiday
kedem-auctions.com
. The intricate decoration and skilled metalwork indicate a high value placed on ritual artistry and craftsmanship. Some lamps were personalized or inscribed for individual families.
Collectability
Authentic 19th-century Dutch menorahs are regarded as valuable antique Judaica, with prices varying based on materials, condition, size, and complexity of decoration. Brass examples may range from a few thousand dollars, while exceptional silver or intricately decorated pieces can command tens of thousands
In summary, Dutch 19th-century Hanukkah lamps combine religious function, meticulous metalwork, and Dutch artistic influences, featuring brass or bronze construction, pierced and chased ornamentation, and symbolic motifs relevant to Jewish culture of the era. They remain highly collectible examples of Jewish ceremonial art.
Measurement : 8.5" tall x 8.25" wide x 3" deep
Condition is vintage great with no damages
A good polish will bring out the beauty of this Antique