Jewish History!
700-year-old Menorah!
Ancient 14th Century Chanukah Menorah, Provence.
This Chanukah menorah has survived hundreds of years of Jewish history, trials and triumphs, symbolizing the menorah’s message of the Jew’s everlasting spirit.
There are known to be two other similar menorahs such as this one. One is held at the Israel Museum and is cataloged as circa 1300.
It is the most antique menorah in the Israel Museum
Link
The other is presented and described by Mordechai Narkiss in his book, The Hanukkah Menorah (Plate 4, Picture 15, from the Neuheim Collection).
On p. 7-9, Mordechai Narkiss discusses the development of hanging backplate menorahs and determines that this specific menorah dates back to the 13th or 14th century. Among other details, he explains about the placement of the shammash oil pan, which is positioned in the same row as the other oil pans, characteristic of menorahs crafted during this period. From the end of the 14th century onwards, menorahs were generally made with the shammas raised.
This menorah is identical to the ones presented in Narkiss’ book and in the Israel Museum.
This menorah was researched by professionals and experts in the field who have determined the authenticity and age of the present menorah to be from the 13th-14th century.
Description: Back panel cast bronze menorah with triangular back panel featuring a row of 11 columns at the bottom forming 12 pierced arches. The center is decorated to resemble a rose window with pierced triangles and circles, topped by a clover-shaped suspension hanger. The front features eight forward-facing oil pans, with an additional oil pan for the shammash on the right.
Condition: Good. Tip of left oil pan fixed at a later period.
Size: Height: 15.2 cm high. Width: 19 cm.
Weight: 633 grams
Provenance: Yechezkel Toporowitch Collection.
Genazym thanks Mr. Yossi Lumnicki for providing important information regarding this item.
The Moorish Arch
The Moorish arch, also called the keyhole arch, is one of the chief motifs of Moorish architecture design. ‘Moors’ are what the Europeans termed the North African Moslem natives who reached as far as Spain and France and ruled the region for many years.
Throughout generations of Moslem rule, North African, Spanish and French Jews used the Moorish Arch motif in the designs of menorahs, Sifrei Torah finials, illustrated kesubos and shul edifices. This tradition is also demonstrated in the present menorah which was ostensibly crafted in southern France.
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