Exhibit Antiques has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
An impressive brass candelabra made for the Jewish Sabbath. A crowned double-headed eagle screw seals between four baluster-form sconces and drip pans.
Stands upon a large splayed pedestal foot.
The branches of the candelabra have been well worked to soften and round the edges, which gives a higher-quality three-dimensional finish; they exhibit beautiful engraved detailing with careful attention given to the lions. There are inscriptions in Hebrew on each side of the lion's bodies; when combined, they read “To light a Sabbath candle”, from the blessing recited over the Sabbath candles.
Date & Origin
18th Century, Poland.
Condition
Wear commensurate with age, no tears or dings.
Dimensions
Height: 58cm
Diameter: 40cm
Documented Examples
The Israel Museum, Jerusalem:
https://www.imj.org.il/en/collections/530936-0
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston: https://www.gardnermuseum.org/blog/shabbat-candlesticks-judaica-gothic-room
Documented Examples
These candles are traditionally lit on a Friday evening as Shabbat begins at sunset, lasting until sunset on Saturday. Serving as a day of rest, for family, study, and reflection, it is a foundational observance in Judaism, rooted in the biblical narrative of creation.
Lions: In Jewish tradition, two lions often appear as heraldic symbols, representing the Lion of Judah (strength, leadership, and the royal tribe) and the Lion of Dan (physical courage), or sometimes two aspects of Jewish power, such as spiritual and physical. These lions are prominent in synagogue art, often flanking the Ark or the Tablets of the Covenant, and they also adorn Torah scrolls as symbols of dignity, strength, and resilience.
Crowned Double-headed Eagle: The double-headed eagle, sometimes depicted with a crown, is not a symbol of a specific country within Jewish tradition but rather a widely adopted imperial emblem in various countries, such as the Byzantine Empire, the Habsburg Empire (Austria-Hungary), and Russia. Jewish communities sometimes used the double-headed eagle to show loyalty to these governments or as an emblem for synagogues.
Exhibit Antiques has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
Specialists in 18th & 19th century antique glass
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Exhibit Antiques Profile Page
Rare 18th Century Judaica Shabbat/sabbath Brass Candelabra C1750
