Israeli Judaic Lions of Judah and Decalogue Hanukkah Menorah
Judaica (Hanukkah Menorah / Hanukkiah) · Likely a mid-century Israeli giftware manufacturer such as Karshi, Hakuli, or Bier. These workshops specialized in casting Judaica for the tourist and export markets following the founding of the State of Israel.
Pattern: Traditional Jerusalem Lions and Ten Commandments motif. This is a classic representational design rather than a named pattern, popular in the 1960s-1980s.
Type
Judaica (Hanukkah Menorah / Hanukkiah)
Maker
Likely a mid-century Israeli giftware manufacturer such as Karshi, Hakuli, or Bier. These workshops specialized in casting Judaica for the tourist and export markets following the founding of the State of Israel.
Material
Likely Silver Plate over a base metal (Pewter or Zinc alloy). It lacks the high-luster or weight typical of solid Sterling (.925). The base shows significant oxidation and verdigris typical of non-precious alloys.
Dimensions
Estimated 7 inches (18cm) wide and 6 inches (15cm) tall. Weight likely between 300-500 grams due to the thick cast base metal.
Description
An evocative piece of Israeli Judaica, this Hanukkiah features the iconic Lions of Judah flanking the Ten Commandments. The design is heavily symbolic, utilizing a tiered base to elevate the central holy tablets while providing a functional layout for the holiday candles. The antique finish provides a sense of age and depth to the relief work, making it a striking display piece for both ritual use and cultural appreciation.
Key Features
Rampant Lions of Judah; Ten Commandments (Decalogue) centerpiece; shamash offset to the right; Hebrew inscription on the base; oxidized silver-tone finish.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver Plate over a base metal (Pewter or Zinc alloy). It lacks the high-luster or weight typical of solid Sterling (.925). The base shows significant oxidation and verdigris typical of non-precious alloys.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized antique finish with cast relief. Features two rampaging Lions of Judah supporting a Torah crown above the Decalogue (Ten Commandments tablets). The base features a raised Hebrew inscription: 'Ha-nerot hallalu kodesh hem' (These candles are holy).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped 'Israel' or 'Jerusalem' on the reverse or bottom edge. May have a maker's mark (e.g., 'Karshi Original') or 'Silver Plated'. No official government hallmarks for sterling purity are visible in this orientation.
Construction Details
Die-cast or sand-cast production. The lion figures, tablets, and backplate are cast as components and then joined. The oil/candle cups are cast separately and soldered to the tiered platform. Evidence of machine buffing is visible in the recessed areas.
Functional Features
Includes eight aligned candle cups for the nights of Hanukkah and a raised 'Shamash' (helper candle) cup on the right side. Designed for standard Hanukkah candles or small glass oil cups.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; stationary ritual object. The piece stands on three small cast feet (two visible in front) to provide stability during lighting.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality casting. The details in the lions and the Hebrew lettering are somewhat soft, indicating a mass-production mold rather than hand-chased artistry. The solder joints for the Shamash are visible, typical of workshop assembly.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Israel' style casting is very distinct. The lack of hallmark '925' and the presence of greyish base metal in worn spots confirm it is silver-plated giftware rather than fine sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Israel, likely Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Israeli Judaica workshops of this era utilized mass-casting to provide affordable ritual items for the Jewish diaspora.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (likely 1960-1980). This style emerged during the 'Israeliana' design movement which combined traditional religious symbols with modernist casting techniques.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970s. The heavy oxidation, style of casting, and the types of cups used are consistent with late 20th-century souvenir and giftware production.
Cultural Significance
This item represents the post-1948 boom in Israeli pride and the export of cultural identity through ritual objects. The Lions of Judah are the symbol of the Tribe of Judah and have been used in Jewish art to represent strength and the city of Jerusalem for centuries.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. There is significant wax residue in the cups and across the base (red and blue wax). The silver plating is thinning on high points (showing the grey base metal) and there are signs of verdigris (green oxidation) near the base. Grade: Good (functional but needs cleaning).
Value Estimate
$25 - $60 USD. Values for plated Israeli giftware are modest and depend on the sentimental/aesthetic value rather than metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Remove wax by running under hot water or using a hair dryer to melt it (wipe with paper towel). Clean with mild soapy water and a soft toothbrush. Avoid abrasive silver dips which will strip the remaining thin silver plating.
Similar Pieces
Vintage Judaica by 'Karshi' or 'Dabbah'. Competitor pieces in sterling silver would have much finer detail in the lion's manes and clear hallmark stamps.
Interesting Facts
The inscription 'Ha-nerot hallalu kodesh hem' is from a prayer recited after lighting the Hanukkah candles, stating that the lights are holy and must not be used for ordinary tasks, only for viewing to remember the miracles.