Antique Moroccan Jewish Hanukkah Menorah Lamp | 19th C North African Cast Brass

Details

Description

Presented for sale is a fine example of an antique North African Hanukkah oil lamp, most likely from Morocco. This … Read more Presented for sale is a fine example of an antique North African Hanukkah oil lamp, most likely from Morocco. This heavy, sand-cast brass lamp features a traditional Sephardic architectural form. The backplate is decorated with elaborate openwork foliate scrolls and four distinct bird finials (roosters/peacocks). The lamp includes a central Shamash (servant lamp) and a lower tray with eight pinched oil reservoirs.

These lamps were traditionally designed to be wall-hung or placed on a flat surface. The primitive casting, hand-chiseled details, and aged verdigris patina reflect its historical use and authentic craftsmanship from the Jewish communities of the Maghreb.

Origin: Morocco (North Africa)

Material: Cast Brass / Bronze Alloy

Age: Late 19th to Early 20th Century (circa 1880–1920)

Condition: Good antique condition with a heavy, as-found patina and a loose base. There is visible verdigris (oxidation) and remnants of candle wax, which have been left to preserve the historical integrity. Note a visible repair to the backplate attachment points (standard for pieces of this age) and minor casting irregularities. There are many reproductions on the market. We believe this to be authentic, based on the following:

The Casting Method: Looking at the back and the underside of the oil tray, "pitting" and irregular texture of sand-casting can be seen. Modern reproductions are often die-cast or investment-cast, resulting in a much smoother, "plastic-like" metal surface.

The "Shamash" Attachment: The Shamash (servant light) is attached with a hand-peened or square-nut style fitting rather than a modern Phillips or machine-perfect screw. The crude solder flow where the tray meets the backplate is consistent with 100-year-old local repairs.

The Patina: This menorah has authentic verdigris (the green oxidation) in the deep crevices. In reproductions, this is often a "painted on" wash. Here, the oxidation looks like it grew out of the copper in the brass over decades of exposure to air and oil.

The Motif: The "Bird and Scroll" design is a known vernacular style from Northern Morocco (Tétouan/Fez area). While copied today, the weight and thickness of this menorah are typical of the older, more substantial pieces.

Reference
For a nearly identical stylistic match, see:
Book: Five Centuries of Hanukkah Lamps from The Jewish Museum: A Catalogue Raisonné
Author: Susan L. Braunstein
Reference: Similar Moroccan openwork lamps with bird motifs are cataloged in the North Africa section (specifically plates involving the Zeyde Schulmann Collection), often appearing around pages 240–255.
Alternate Reference: The Hanukkah Lamp by Mordechai Narkiss, Plate 105 (similar Moroccan scrollwork).

Item dimensions: 9" tall × 7" wide × 2" deep
Weight of item: 2 lb 10.7 oz See less