Hanukkah lamp

Unknown

late 17th century · Silver, embossed and engraved · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Inspired by Dutch tulip decoration, the large blossoms that fill the wide frame became fashionable ornament across Europe during the 1660s to 1700. Like a wall sconce, the polished backplate would reflect the flickering light of the flames. The flourishing Free City and major port of Hamburg was a hub for Jewish refugees leaving the Iberian Peninsula. Purchased in 1913, this Hanukkah lamp is one of the earliest purchases of Judaica to enter the museum's encyclopedic collection.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 17th century

Medium

Silver, embossed and engraved

Culture

German, Hamburg

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1913