West Asian Candle Lamps

Two copper candlesticks of typical ottoman form with turned stems on a stepped and tapered base. Each base rises to a flared bobèche (a drip tray to collect melted wax...

Turkish cast brass Lucerne oil lamp with a four spout font and fitted on a brass rod with circular base and an open shield shaped finial. The font slides along the rod with the suppo...

This Marble Shabbat Candlestick from Cyprus made in 1948-49 holds important historical significance. During that period, Cyprus served as a significant transit point for Jewish immigrants en route to Israel, particularly after World War II and during the struggle for Israeli independence. During World War II the British enacted a policy known as the White Paper of 1939 that contained strict quotas for Jews who attempted to immigrate to Palestine. During the 1940s, camps were set up in Cyprus by the British government for the internment of Jews who violated this policy. Repeated requests to lift the immigration restrictions to save European Jews from certain death were ignored, and untold lives were lost. After the war ended, the British still enforced the White Paper, and Cyprus became home to thousands of Holocaust survivors caught trying to enter Palestine. Once again, Jews were kept under armed guard and behind barbed wire Life was not easy for the Jews held in Cyprus, living conditions were below that of German prisoners of war, as standards for POWs were set by the Geneva Conventions. Since there were no precepts for civilian prisoners, these European Jews were treated worse than their captured German oppressors. During the years the camps of Cyprus were in operation, approximately 50,000 people were imprisoned and thousands of children were born. Between 1948 and 1949, artistic detainees developed a unique genre of Judaica. From the local stone found on the grounds of the camp, a range of objects was carved, sometimes bearing motifs of tents, symbolizing the life of the interned. These objects were usually inscribed in Hebrew with the word "Kafrisin" (Cyprus) This marble candlestick is one of those items. "Shabbat Shalom" flanks a Star of David with "Kafrisin" in its center, with two holes at the top for wicks and oil. The candlestick itself symbolizes resilience and continuity amidst upheaval. Marble, a durable and beautiful material, contrasts with the uncertainty and challenges faced by Jewish communities during that era. Even after the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948, the British government continued to hold 8,000 Jewish men of military age and 3,000 of their wives, in order to prevent them from joining the 1948 Arab-Israel War, known by Israelis as the War of Independence. In February 1949, the British government decided to recognize the State of Israel, and all prisoners in the Cyprus camps were released. Owning such an artifact connects one directly to the Jewish historical narrative of migration, survival, and the eventual establishment of Israel. It serves as a tangible reminder of the challenges faced and overcome by Jewish communities during one of the most pivotal periods in modern Jewish history. Literature taken from the Book, "Jewish Antiques...

A Brass Art Deco Hanukkah Lamp by Ludwig Wolpert made in Israel in the 1960s. Classic Art Deco design using geometric shapes which were used in that period to make artistic creation...

This Bezalel Hanukkah lamp is elegantly decorated with a prominent rosette on its triangular backplate. On the lower half of the backplate are numerous notched archways placed under...

Classic Hanukkah lamp designed by Ludwig Yehuda Wolpert in the 20th century. This Hannukah lamp is elegantly designed with two thin curved bars crossed at one end which serve as the three legs it stands on. Eight small cylindrical cups are neatly fitted with bobeches formed as flaring wicks behind them and placed in a straight row along the longer upper bar. The upper bar is interestingly raised at one end to hold the servant lamp which is designed similarly to the other in a cylindrical and flamed fashion...

This Carved Stone Shabbat Lamp made in Yemen around 1900 reflects the practical and religious traditions of Yemeni Jewish communities. Yemen, historically home to a significant Jewish population, had a rich cultural heritage characterized by intricate craftsmanship and adherence to Jewish religious practices. Crafted from local stone, possibly limestone or alabaster, known for its workability and durability. The lamp's design is appropriate for Shabbat use, with a large bowl for the oil and decorative ridged edges for the secure placement of the hand-spun wicks, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the Sabbath observance. An attached suspension ring and domed bell ornament...

A Carved Stone Shabbat Lamp made in Yemen circa 1900 is an important artifact that reflects the religious traditions of Yemeni Jewish communities during that period. In Yemeni Jewi...

An Artistic Brass Hanukkah Lamp made in Israel circa 1950 reflects the cultural revival of the Jewish people living in Israel during this era. The year 1950 places this Hanukkah lam...

An Early 20th Century Yemenite Shabbat Lamp is a distinctive piece of Judaica that embodies the artistic traditions and cultural synthesis of Yemenite Jewish communities during that ...