1
_ID%3D14257
Metalwork
Sabbath candlesticks
Russian artist, (active )
Russian artist
Russia
Primary
10 in. (25.4 cm)
.
.
.
Silver
Silver
19th Century
1800
1899
candlesticks, judaica
Metalwork
The Memorial Art Gallery recently acquired several outstanding examples of Jewish ceremonial art from the collection of Central Synagogue, the oldest Jewish house of worship in continuous use in New York City. All seven objects were made in southern Germany, a region important for the production of silver as well as the original homeland for many of the early members of Central Synagogue’s congregation.
These beautifully crafted works of art represent a range of ritual objects used in Jewish religious practice. The importance of beautifying such objects is eloquently captured in the principle of hiddur mitzvah. This expression, which literally means to beautify a commandment, is biblically grounded in Moses’ words following the Israelites’ escape from Egypt: “This is my God, and I will glorify Him.” (Exodus 15:2).
The collection includes ritual objects related to the celebration of the Sabbath, the spiritual focus of Judaism: a pair of candlesticks, a Kiddush cup and two spice containers. These were once used in the home, as was the Hanukkiah, an oil lamp lit during the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah. Also included is a Tas, a decorative and functional object that originally ornamented the Torah in a synagogue.
The lighting of two candles marks the beginning of a Sabbath. The circular inserts at the top of these candlesticks are inscribed with names, one of a man, the other, a woman. These may have been engagement gifts, coming from the families of the bride and groom-to-be.
[Adapted from gallery label text, 2006]
underside, See surrogates, attached. Two sets of marks on each candlestick:. On base: A over C [or G?] P in script; oval with right profile head at left and 84 at right; what looks like two stamps over each other, one on top looks like חC [Cyrillic?]; Around top of each: O.C. / 1889; 84 [with shape like house?]
2006.55a-b
item
Memorial Art Gallery
7/31/2006
6076.2DI1
digital image
00/00/00
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2006.55a-bDI#2
digital image
full: side
10/25/2006
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/2006.55a-b_A1.jpg
2006.55a-bDI#3
digital image
full: top
10/25/2006
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/2006.55a-b_A2.jpg
2006.55aDI#4
digital image
side view
10/25/2006
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/2006.55a_A1.jpg
2006.55aDI#5
digital image
top view
10/25/2006
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/2006.55a_A2.jpg
2006.55bDI#6
digital image
detail: b side
10/25/2006
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/2006.55b_A1.jpg
2006.55bDI#7
digital image
detail: b top
10/25/2006
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/2006.55b_A2.jpg