Hanukkah Lamp – Greece, 19th Century

Hanukkah lamp. Greece, [19th century].
Brass, cast and engraved; sheet brass.
Form typical of 19th century Greece, with examples originating in Thessaloniki, Corfu and Cairo, as evident from dedicatory inscriptions.
Backplate consisting of circular scrolls and eight bud-like rings, five of which are set with polychrome glass discs. Central triangular panel topped with a palmette hook, inscribed "Mordechai son of Perez Balili / For a commandment is a candle, and the Torah is light" (Proverbs 6:23; Hebrew). Servant light set at left and used-wick container at right. Oil font row set above sheet brass drip pan.
Height: 25 cm. Width: 31 cm. Depth: 7 cm.
Reference: Mordechai Narkiss, "The Hanukkah Lamp." Plate XIV, item no. 40; Chaya Benjamin, "The Stieglitz Collection: Masterpieces of Jewish Art, " item no. 160.