MONUMENTAL SHUKI FREIMAN SILVER AND GOLD CHANUKAH MENORAH.

Israel, 2000

Of imposing size, this custom-made, hand-chased Menorah is fashioned with diagonal branches based on the particular tradition of Moses Maimonides. Additional design inspiration is taken from the specific Biblical description of the Menorah whereby each branch is topped with three gold cups, an apple-like orb and a ring of gold flowers. Nine removable oil and wick fonts which can be turned inwards to resemble the Menorah of the Temple. Central, graduated, hexagonal shaft engraved with floral design motif; each tier delineated with gold belvederes. Housed within the lower segment of shaft is a functioning music box which, when wound, plays the traditional “Ma’oz Tzur” lyrical poem sung while kindling the Chanukah Menorah lights. Domed, hexagonal base engraved with large Hebrew inscription on upper tier: “These candle-lights are holy.” Along lower tier, twelve brightly-colored hand-painted glazed enamel oval cabochons depict the symbols of the Twelve Tribes (e.g. Judah’s lion, Zebulon’s ship, Gad’s tent, Joseph’s wheat stalks, etc). Below, additional engraving en suite; the whole supported by six silver-gilt couchant lions. Marked: “SF Jerusalem Alt-Neu 925.” 41 x 27 inches. * Accompanied by: Silver oil ewer with applied silver pierced element featuring the Seven Species of Eretz Israel. Marked. Height: 5.75 inches.

The gold accents utilized throughout the menorah are composed of 24k over sterling. The consignor relates that this Menorah was hand-chased, as opposed to Shuki Freiman’s later work which is only cast. [Also See back cover]