Not currently on display at the V&A

Hanukkah Lamp

16th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
Italy (made)

Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights. It celebrates the victory of Judas Maccabeus over the Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 BC. This winter festival lasts eight days and an extra flame is lit for each night of the festival.


Object details

Categories
Judaism
Metalwork
Religion
Object type
Hanukkah lamp
Parts
This object consists of 4 parts.

  • Hanukkah Lamp
  • Hanukah Lamp
  • Hanukah Lamp
  • Hanukah Lamp
Materials and techniques
Brass, cast and chased
Brass
Casting
Chasing
Brief description
Hanukkah lamp, brass, Italy, 1500-1600.
Physical description
Brass Hanukkah lamp, held together with pins and rivets. The back and sides are in the form of a battlemented wall, with a tower like element riveted in the centre. All crenellations are in the form of swallows tails. The back and side panels are pierced with a reticulated pattern. The base consists of a single piece with eight nozzle lamps cut into it, and there is a shammash (servitor lamp) attached to the right-hand tower. The lamps are probably replacements. The left hand side panel has been broken and then poorly repaired with solder.
Dimensions
  • Height: 18cm
  • Width: 25cm
Credit line
Dr W.L. Hildburgh Bequest
Object history
ex-Hidldburgh loan 4839
Summary
Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights. It celebrates the victory of Judas Maccabeus over the Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 BC. This winter festival lasts eight days and an extra flame is lit for each night of the festival.
Collection
Metalwork Collection
Accession number
M.415-1956

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O324408/hanukkah-lamp-unknown/
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