Antique Warsaw Brass Shabbat Candlesticks, 14" Polish Sabbath 19th Century Pair

Details

Description

This is an exceptional and monumental pair of antique Eastern European brass Shabbat (Sabbath) candlesticks, standing at an impressive height … Read more This is an exceptional and monumental pair of antique Eastern European brass Shabbat (Sabbath) candlesticks, standing at an impressive height of nearly 14 inches. Sourced from a premier Judaica estate auction via J. Greenstein & Co., these traditional fixtures feature classic 19th-century Warsaw styling.

The candlesticks are constructed in multi-tiered baluster forms with elaborate, crisp cast decoration. The design elements showcase a heavy emphasis on classic Eastern European motifs:

Gadrooned upper rims and a finely reeded upper socket knop.

A distinct running band of stylized paisley or teardrop foliate elements deeply chased around the intermediate knops and cascading across the expansive domed bases.

Beaded (pearled) borders separating the sculptural tiers.

Regency-influenced Rococo feet (three per stick), presenting a scrolled foliate profile that provides excellent elevation and structural stability.

The undersides show the expected heavy, rough texture of sand-cast brass common to mid-to-late 19th-century Polish foundries. These pieces carry a magnificent, untouched historic surface with deep natural oxidation and remnants of white polishing compound nestled in the recesses, highlighting the cast detailing beautifully.

Origin: Poland (Warsaw foundries such as Norblin, Fraget, or Werner, though unsigned)
Age: Circa 1870–1890
Material: Heavy, sand-cast brass
Dimensions & Weight
Height: Approx. 13.75 inches (~35 cm)

Base Diameter: 5.5 inches (14 cm)

Weight: Approx. 1 lb each (2 lbs total weight before packaging)

Reference
Book Title: Domestic Artifacts with Hebrew Inscriptions / The Benjamin and Barbara Zucker Collection of Brass Shabbat Candlesticks Author: Mordechai Narkiss / See also comparative analysis in Jewish Ceremonial Art by Joseph Gutmann. Page/Context Note: Similar multi-tiered baluster forms featuring repeating gadrooned borders, stylized paisley foliate relief bands, and tripartite foliate scroll feet are well-documented as the prototypical "Warsaw Style" popularized by Polish makers in the late 19th century (pp. 84–92). See less