Hanukkah Lamp – Hands Upraised and Outstretched in the Posture of the Priestly Benediction – Poland, 18th Century

Hanukkah lamp. Poland, [18th century].
Brass, cast.
Rare model of Hanukkah lamp. At center of openwork back plate, a seven-branched candelabrum (menorah), flanked by tendrils. Pair of birds perched on tendrils. Surmounting menorah, large pair of hands upraised and outstretched in the traditional hand posture of the Priestly Benediction. Pair of massive columns on either side. Side panels with openwork diamond pattern, from which candleholders – to be used as a servant light on Hanukkah or as Sabbath candleholders throughout the year – project forward. Row of oil fonts covered with hinged lid. Lamp supported on four legs.
Height: 28 cm. Width: 29 cm. Depth: 17 cm. Missing screw nut.
Reference: Stanislawa Odrzywolska & Monika Paś, "Judaica in the Collection of the National Museum in Krakow: handicrafts, prints and manuscripts, coins and medals, varia, " Kraków, 2018, Cat. III/126.